Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clyde Vanel

The bill asks the Governor to proclaim April 2026 in New York State as Financial Literacy Month to promote informed personal finance and broader economic participation.

ADOPTED

Overview

Type: Assembly Resolution (memorializing)

Sponsor: Assembly Member Clyde Vanel (with co-sponsor)

Jurisdiction: New York

Status: Adopted April 27, 2026; previously referred to calendar on April 21, 2026

Purpose: Request Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in New York State

Purpose and Intent

The resolution seeks gubernatorial action to designate April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in New York.

Emphasizes the importance of personal financial literacy for individuals to effectively manage money, credit, debt, and to become informed participants in the economy.

Frames financial literacy as a catalyst for:

Empowering responsible financial decision-making
Supporting economic participation by workers, homeowners, investors, entrepreneurs, and citizens
Expanding access to mainstream financial institutions to reduce costs and increase security
Enhancing economic activity and growth through greater familiarity with financial markets and institutions

Key Provisions

Declaration: Memorializes the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in New York State.

Rationale Highlights (stated in the resolution):

Personal financial literacy helps manage money, credit, and debt.
Credit card debt is a major component of household indebtedness; expands in context with mortgages and student loans.
A large share of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, underscoring the need for financial education and tools.
Access to affordable and secure financial services supports wealth-building.
Financial literacy reduces confusion in a complex economy and supports informed decision-making.
Government and private partnerships are needed to leverage technology and resources to broaden reach.
Improved understanding of financial markets and institutions can stimulate economic activity and growth.

Communication: A copy of the resolution is to be transmitted to the Governor, upon enactment.

Affected Parties

Primary: The State of New York and its residents, particularly those who benefit from enhanced financial literacy programs and access to financial services.

Secondary: Government agencies, financial educators, non-profit financial literacy organizations, and private-sector partners involved in financial education and outreach.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Path: The resolution was referred to the calendar on April 21, 2026, and adopted on April 27, 2026.

Nature of Measure: Non-binding memorialization intended to influence the Governor’s executive proclamation rather than create new law or funding.

Effect of Passage: If the Governor signs or issues the proclamation, April 2026 would be recognized statewide as Financial Literacy Month.

Observations

The bill does not specify any funding, programs, or initiatives; it solely seeks the official proclamation by the Governor.

It frames financial literacy as a strategic public interest with potential to improve individual financial outcomes and broader economic health.

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Bill