Pa. Does Not Fare So Well In Civic Engagement Study

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pennsylvanians are below-average citizens when it comes to voting but above average in connecting with their neighbors, according to a new report.

When it comes to being active, engaged, informed citizens Pennsylvanians are not doing well. But if it's any consolation, neither is the rest of the nation, according to the Civic Health Index by the National Conference on Citizenship.

Pennsylvania is below the national average in voter registration and turnout, but above average in eating dinner with their families and talking with their neighbors. The report was released yesterday at the National Constitution Center where David Eisner is president.

"It's fair to say that we're suffering a national recession in civic health," Eisner said. "And that Pennsylvania -- all of our results are consistent with that."

The report suggests Pennsylvania can improve its civic health by having its citizens stay in school,  and volunteering and talking about politics more.

Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio