FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Creates the Financial Empowerment Commission Act. Provides for the establishment of the Financial Empowerment Commission. Provides that the Commission shall support the Board of Higher Education and organizations that provide financial educational programming through various capacity building initiatives. Provides that the Commission, in consultation with the Governor and appropriate State agencies, shall design a database platform to communicate with and connect existing financial literacy resources, programs, products and services in the State. Provides that the Commission shall identify, document, and track key metrics for young adults' financial health and well-being over time. Further provides that the Commission shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly, which shall detail the progress of financial empowerment efforts and the Commission's achievement of its main objectives. Provides that the Commission may collaborate with State and federal agencies, local governments, research and educational institutions, community and nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, the 3 main credit bureaus, service providers, and philanthropic organizations to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive approach with equitable access to resources and programming. Provides that the Commission may issue advisory material to stakeholders across Illinois to ensure monitoring, compliance, and adherence to consumer protection standards and may issue a supplementary report to the Governor and associated State agencies on best practices concerning consumer protections. Provides that the Commission may make policy recommendations to the General Assembly to enhance Illinois students' financial literacy and use of new and existing resources and may recommend that education programs be supported by economic policies dismantling structural issues, such as income disparities and financial barriers to health care.