HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month to boost awareness and collaboration on personal finance education in Rhode Island.

04/30/2026 House read and passed

Main Purpose and Intent

To formally designate April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Rhode Island.

To emphasize the importance of financial education and personal finance skills for all Rhode Islanders.

To encourage ongoing collaboration among government, private sector, community organizations, and educational institutions to improve financial literacy and protect consumers from deceptive or predatory practices.

Key Provisions and Changes

Proclamation: The Rhode Island House of Representatives proclaims April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month.

Call to Action: Urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs and activities that enhance personal financial literacy during April 2026 and throughout the year.

Authorization: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the RI JumpStart Coalition.

Contextual Basis (as stated in the preamble):

Highlights the importance of financial security, the complexity of the financial system, and the long-term impact of personal finance decisions.
Acknowledges Rhode Island’s 2021 law ensuring high school students have access to quality personal finance education.
Emphasizes ongoing collaboration among government, private sector, community organizations, and educational institutions to empower consumers and promote economic stability.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Rhode Island residents, broadly, through increased awareness and participation in financial literacy initiatives.

Rhode Island JumpStart Coalition (as the recipient of a certified copy), which is presumably a stakeholder in advancing financial literacy education.

State agencies, educators, and partners involved in financial literacy programming, given the resolution’s intent to promote activities and collaboration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: April 30, 2026.

Status: Referred to and passed by the House on April 30, 2026 (read and passed in the House).

The document is a House Resolution (non-binding) that proclaims a month and directs transmission to a coalition; it does not create new statutes or funding obligations, but serves as official recognition and a directive to promote activities during the designated month.

Notable Details

Sponsors: A large bipartisan group of representatives, with several co-sponsors including Ackerman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, McNamara, Edwards, O’Brien, Kazarian, Casimiro, and Kennedy.

National Context Cited: Aligns with National Financial Literacy Month observations and Rhode Island’s prior commitment to finance education in high schools (2021 legislation).

Impact Considerations

Public Awareness: Likely increases visibility of existing financial literacy programs and resources.

Education and Outreach: Encourages schools, libraries, community organizations, and businesses to host activities and trainings during April 2026 and beyond.

Policy Implication: As a resolution, it does not impose new mandates or funding but signals legislative support and coordination for financial literacy efforts.

Bill