Advocates for victims of domestic abuse are highlighting the importance of financial literacy. State officials applaud contributions from private companies but legislation to expand the program in public schools died again this session.
Allstate official Mike Sheely says victims who want to leave abusive relationships are often held back by fears for their financial stability. So, the Allstate Foundation is awarding the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence 100,000 dollars to support financial literacy programs. But for the second year running, a bill to expand financial literacy instruction in schools failed without a hearing. Rep. Irv Slosberg (D-Del Ray Beach) says sometimes even good bills die.
“Sometimes it takes years to get something done here. And I’m sure Heather is going to be persistent and get it done,” Slosberg says.
Heather is Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R-Fort Meyers). She sponsored the House measure, but with the bill failing, her office is working on a budget amendment to launch a pilot program in two counties. Rep. Jimmie Smith (R-Lecanto) joined Slosberg at the event, and both say they would support Fitzenhagen’s proposal.
