Washington, DC – Today, Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswomen Young Kim (CA-40) and Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced H.Res.292, a resolution to recognize April as Financial Literacy Month to increase public awareness of the value of financial capability and the need for sound money management practices. Financial Literacy Month also provides an opportunity to advocate for financial education in public schools, establishing a solid financial foundation for future generations of Americans.
“Financial literacy empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions, from budgeting and saving to investing and planning for retirement. In California, where the cost of living continues to rise, understanding personal finance is more important than ever. The earlier Americans learn how to manage their finances, the better prepared they will be to secure their financial future and avoid pitfalls like fraud or debt,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “As we recognize April as Financial Literacy Month, I am proud to work as Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Co-Chair with Rep. Joyce Beatty to champion financial education and ensure all Californians have the tools to build wealth and protect their financial well-being for generations to come.”
“Encouraging financial literacy among students, seniors, and hardworking American consumers is essential,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “When people are equipped with the tools to develop healthy financial habits, they are empowered to take control of their personal finances and create better economic outcomes for their families—now and for generations to come. Financial literacy is a vital skill that can mean the difference between economic hardship and lasting financial freedom. Alongside Congresswoman Kim, I’m proud to lead the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives to make financial capability a reality for every American.”
“Financial Literacy Month highlights the importance of equipping students with essential financial knowledge. Requiring high school students to take personal finance courses ensures they graduate with the skills needed to make informed financial decisions and build a prosperous future,” said Leslie Finnan, Senior Advocacy Director of the Council for Economic Education (CEE). “CEE supports teachers in delivering this critical education, empowering the next generation to succeed financially and contribute to their communities.”
“Financial education is an essential component of improving overall financial well-being, resulting in numerous demonstrated financial and societal benefits,” says Billy Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). “I commend Congresswomen Joyce Beatty and Young Kim for their bipartisan commitment to advancing financial literacy. Their leadership is instrumental in empowering all communities, promoting economic equality and advancing a more inclusive financial system. Efforts to improve financial well-being fuel the momentum toward a reality where everyone has the resources needed to thrive. NEFE believes that consequential collaboration will create a future where impactful financial education is accessible to all.”
“Financial literacy is a vital foundation for building financial health,” said Jennifer Tescher, Founder and CEO of the Financial Health Network. “Yet today, only about one in three Americans is considered financially healthy—a reminder that knowledge must be paired with well-designed products, timely guidance, and supportive policies. At the Financial Health Network, we have seen the benefits of multiple stakeholders working across sectors to ensure that people can navigate their financial lives with confidence. Financial Literacy Month is a valuable moment to recommit to that shared goal.”
The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), André Carson (IN-07), Ed Case (HI-01), Emanuel Cleaver (MI-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Flood (NE-01), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Tim Moore (NC-14), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), David Scott (GA-13), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), David Valadao (CA-22), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).
Read the full resolution text HERE.
