TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing the week of January 16, 2023 – January 20, 2023 as Florida Thrift Week. This proclamation highlights the practice and the benefits of thrift and the positive impacts it has on Florida’s economy. Thrift is a long-time American tradition that promotes financial literacy which leads to responsible consumerism and smart saving practices.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Fiscal responsibility and financial literacy are key when preparing to make major monetary decisions like owning a home, raising a family, or starting your own business. Thrift is not only a great way to promote wise money making and spending decisions, but it honors an American tradition passed down through the generations that celebrates the spirit of capitalism. I am happy to recognize Florida Thrift Week and encourage Floridians around the state to learn more about the practice of thrift. Visit our website to find valuable financial literacy programs and resources and learn more about how Your Money Matters.”

James Madison Institute (JMI) President Dr. Bob McClure said, “We are honored to have CFO Patronis recognize Thrift Week in such a way once again this year. It's important for the next generation of Floridians to remember the founding principles and wise words that our forefathers wove into the fabric of America's history. Benjamin Franklin recognized that it is just as important for Americans to have economic freedom from debt and dependency as it is to have political freedom. JMI's supplemental curriculum, All About the Benjamins, is built around Franklin’s time-honored ideas and we are excited to continue our efforts to keep these ideas alive and well in the years to come.”

Proclamation

WHEREAS, a vigorous and healthy economy is fueled by the choices of financially informed consumers making educated decisions throughout their lives concerning saving, budgeting, and how to obtain and use consumer credit; and

WHEREAS, the practice of thrift can enhance efforts to raise financial literacy and promote economic development; and 

WHEREAS, thrift, a once-vibrant American tradition widely celebrated in the first half of the twentieth century, proved industry, frugality, and stewardship were the antidote to the high levels of debt and the economic uncertainty currently plaguing our nation; and

WHEREAS, The James Madison Institute has launched a statewide movement to restore the observance of Thrift Week in Florida, during the week of January 17^th,  the birthday of America’s foremost thrift advocate, Benjamin Franklin; and

WHEREAS, The James Madison Institute and teachers throughout Florida have partnered each January to distribute a supplemental curriculum, “All About the Benjamins: Understanding the Value of Thrift,” to high school students, and

WHEREAS, through research, public education, civic action and policy reforms, all Americans -- even those of modest means -- can achieve and promote thrift as the wise use of resources leading to responsible consumerism and smart savings,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby proclaim January 15 through January 21, 2023, as

FLORIDA THRIFT WEEK

In the State of Florida and encourage all Floridians to learn and implement the values of thrift and saving as steps to enhance wealth building. 

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).