Press Release  Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Releases Progress Report On Financial Literacy In Massachusetts

Boston — Treasurer Goldberg unveiled a one year progress report on her Office of Economic Empowerment’s financial education initiatives. The review highlighted the advancements resulting from the 2015 Financial Literacy Task Force Report. The Task Force consisted of a diverse group of policymakers, educators, bankers and advocates, and convened last year to develop an action plan for Massachusetts residents to have access to the financial skills they need to attain economic stability. The report culminated with the release of 22 recommendations aimed at empowering

Massachusetts residents with the understanding of how to plan budgeting their money, saving for retirement and understanding the impact of the economic decisions.

“I am thankful for the many partners that share our vision and commitment to expanding economic security in Massachusetts” said Treasurer Goldberg. “We will continue to innovate and expand our programs through a digital delivery of financial education and partnerships throughout the state.”

In just one year, Treasurer Goldberg’s Office of Economic Empowerment has initiated 14 of the 22 policy recommendations provided by the Task Force, including the following highlights:

• Establishing $eedMA, a pilot program, designed to help Massachusetts Kindergarten families save for post-secondary education and training
• Creating the Women’s Economic Empowerment Series, a free financial empowerment workshop series for women
• Relaunching of Operation Money Wise as a grant program for organizations to provide financial education and programming to the Military, Veteran, Family and Survivor Community (MVFSC).

"Treasurer Goldberg has demonstrated an agenda that keeps the economic empowerment of Massachusetts citizens on the front burner,” said former Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Barbara Anthony, who chaired the Task Force. “It’s terrific to work with her and her partners to enhance the lives of our residents from grade schoolers to seniors and at each stage in the life cycle.”

On day one, Treasurer Goldberg created the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), led by a deputy treasurer with the deliberate goal of incorporating a range of economic empowerment initiatives, including financial literacy, college affordability and programming to support wage equality.

For more information on the Office of Economic Empowerment visit www.mass.gov/treasury/empowerment or by following the hashtag #EqualPay.

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