SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2025, TO BE "FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Designates April 2025 as Rhode Island Financial Literacy Month to boost awareness and education for all residents; Secretary of State sends proclamation to RI JumpStart Coalition.

04/10/2025 Senate read and passed

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 964 – Financial Literacy Month (Rhode Island)

Overview

Type: Senate Resolution (no force of law; formal proclamation)

Bill Number: SR 964

Title: Proclaims April 2025 as “Financial Literacy Month” in Rhode Island

Introduced: April 10, 2025

Status: Senate read and passed (April 10, 2025); Referred for Immediate Consideration

Sponsors: Senators Gallo, Lawson, LaMountain, Pearson, Zurier, Felag, Ujifusa, Urso, Lauria, and Bissaillon

Key mechanism: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to the RI JumpStart Coalition

Purpose and Intent

Public goal: Elevate financial security and stability for all Rhode Islanders

Rationale: The financial system is complex and personal finance decisions have long-lasting consequences

Strategic aim: Promote financial literacy and informed decision‑making in budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and asset protection

Alignment with broader efforts: Builds on Rhode Island’s 2021 move to ensure high-quality personal finance education in public high schools; encourages ongoing collaboration among government, private sector, community organizations, and educational institutions

Key Provisions

Proclamation: April 2025 is designated as “Financial Literacy Month” in the State of Rhode Island

Encouragement: Rhode Islanders are urged to participate in programs and activities to improve personal financial literacy during April and year‑round

Outreach/Partnership: The Secretary of State must convey a certified copy of the resolution to the RI JumpStart Coalition

Scope: Applies broadly to all Rhode Islanders, emphasizing collective action to improve financial literacy

Affected Parties

General population of Rhode Island (all residents)

Educational and community organizations involved in financial education

The RI JumpStart Coalition (recipient of the proclamation)

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction date: April 10, 2025

Action taken: Read and passed by the Senate on the same day (April 10, 2025)

Next steps: As a resolution, it typically would require clearance or concurrent action by the House to become a joint resolution or to authorize ongoing activities; no funding or statutory mandates are included

Fiscal impact: None stated; symbolic/advocacy-oriented

Background and Context

National reference: Aligns with National Financial Literacy Month

Prior Rhode Island action: Builds on the 2021 law ensuring personal finance education standards in high schools

Potential Impact

Raising awareness about financial literacy

Encouraging community and educational programs to expand outreach

Providing formal recognition that may catalyze public-private partnerships, without creating new mandates or funding

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar resolutions in neighboring states or outline potential implementation pathways for local organizations inspired by this proclamation.