For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Hedemark | Executive Director
RI Jump$tart Coalition
401.385.9411 | director@rijumpstart.com
RI Jump$tart Coalition Applauds President,
Governor & Legislature for Financial Literacy Month
Financial First Aid Kit Promoted for All Rhode Islanders
PROVIDENCE, RI – 3/31/10 – The Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition calls attention to “Financial Literacy Month” proclamations issued by President Obama, Governor Carcieri and the Legislature and encourages all citizens to prepare an “Emergency Financial First Aid Kit” in observance.
Proclamations and the “Emergency Financial First Aid Kit” (EFFAK) in their entirety can be accessed at www.rijumpstart.org
President Obama’s proclamation, signed on April 2, 2010, includes:
“Our Nation's future prosperity depends on the financial security of all Americans. This month, let us each take time to improve our own financial knowledge and share that knowledge with our children. Together, we can prevent another crisis and rebuild our economy on a stronger, more balanced foundation.”
Governor Carcieri’s proclamation, signed on April 1, 2010 includes:
“The personal financial education of all citizens, especially youth and other vulnerable populations, will improve the quality of their lives, will provide them with skills for success, and will contribute to positive changes for the communities in which they live and work."
Senate Finance Chairman Daniel Da Ponte (D-Dist. 14, East Providence, Pawtucket), prime sponsor of Senate resolution 2765 which passed on April 6, 2010, commented, “We live in a time where, unfortunately, economic stability is a rarity for most Rhode Islanders. The public’s firm and knowledgeable grasp of how our state’s economy works is the only way to prevent further economic collapses in the future, and in turn, insuring financial security for themselves and their loved ones. Financial Literacy Month is a crucial tool and first step in establishing the road to economic stability in Rhode Island once again.”
Jim Hedemark, executive director of the RI Jump$tart Coalition, states, “In the spirit of the calls to action issued by President Obama and Governor Carcieri, we hope that all citizens will begin or renew a commitment to the lifelong process of personal financial capability.And yet, a commitment to financial literacy can be just as vague and daunting as New Year’s resolutions to get healthy without actionable items.”
Hedemark continues and refers to the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, “The beginning of financial literacy month with its devastating floods points us towards this critical financial tool that can be utilized immediately and will undoubtedly lead to further steps towards financial stability both during times of crisis and calm.”
The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) was created by Operation HOPE in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizen’s Corps and released in 2004 as, “a simple tool designed to assist you and your family in maintaining financial stability in the event of an emergency. The EFFAK helps you to identify and organize key financial records and provides a quick reference file for your most important financial documents.”
General Treasurer, Frank T. Caprio, joins the Coalition in increasing awareness of the kit, “Our goal in promoting EFFAK is to help minimize the financial fallout that victims of natural disaster or personal emergency can experience.By having financial information readily available during a crisis, citizens will have more capability and confidence to deal with issues at hand.”
Robert Mancini, executive director of the Rhode Island Society of CPA’s, adds, “Completing an EFFAK is not as easy as making sure batteries are working in flashlights and non-perishable food and clean water are on hand, but the benefits of financial preparation can be highly beneficial and provide peace of mind.”
