Credit unions prioritize financial literacy efforts year-round to help people improve their lives, CUNA Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Federal Government Affairs Jason Stverak wrote in Credit Union Times Friday.

“No matter where someone lives, where they come from or how much money they have – credit unions are there to help. Credit unions maintain a commitment to serve people each and every day, and make sure they have every tool they need to achieve their financial dreams long after Financial Literacy Month is over.”

He noted CUNA’s support for the Student Empowerment and Financial Literacy Act. Introduced by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., it would create a Department of Education grant program to promote financial literacy in kindergarten-12th grade schools in every state.

He also noted Leagues around the country prioritizing efforts to address financial literacy, including.

• Bills in Idaho, Oregon, Alabama, Connecticut to require financial education before high school graduation.
• Governors and lawmakers in California, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico and Pennsylvania who signed proclamations and passed resolutions and designations for Financial Literacy and Financial Capability Months
• New Mexico credit unions’ Read to Support Financial Literacy effort in 208 classrooms in April.