Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4632

 124 STAT. 4606 PROCLAMATION 8493—APR. 2, 2010 As we continue to confront this crime, let us reaffirm this month our dedication to take action in our communities and stop abuse before it starts. Together, we can increase awareness about sexual violence, de- crease its frequency, punish offenders, help victims, and heal lives. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2010 as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I urge all Ameri- cans to reach out to victims, learn more about this crime, and speak out against it. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8493 of April 2, 2010 National Financial Literacy Month, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In recent years, our Nation’s financial system has grown increasingly complex. This has left too many Americans behind, unable to build a secure financial future for themselves and their families. For many, fi- nancial literacy can mean economic prosperity and protection against fraud and predatory banking practices. During National Financial Lit- eracy Month, we recommit to teaching ourselves and our children about the basics of financial education. Our recent economic crisis was the result of both irresponsible actions on Wall Street, and everyday choices on Main Street. Large banks spec- ulated recklessly without regard for the consequences, and other firms invented and sold complex financial products to conceal risks and es- cape scrutiny. At the same time, many Americans took out loans they could not afford or signed contracts without fully understanding the terms. Ensuring this crisis never happens again will require new rules to protect consumers and better information to empower them. The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency I have proposed will ensure ordinary Americans get clear and concise financial information. We must put an end to confusing loan contracts, hidden fees attached to mortgages, and unfair penalties that appear without warning on bank statements. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 began reining in some of these deceptive tactics when it recently took effect. The President’s Advisory Council on Fi- nancial Capability is also looking for new ways to help individuals make informed decisions and to educate our children on core financial competencies. While our Government has a critical role to play in protecting con- sumers and promoting financial literacy, we are each responsible for understanding basic concepts: how to balance a checkbook, save for a