FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 04, 2018
Contact: Liz Xiong
liz.xiong@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-357-8448
Mayor Melvin Carter Announces Children’s Savings Account Task Force
Multi-sector group will lead program development and implementation of
new financial program to invest in Saint Paul children
SAINT PAUL, MN – Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced today the launch of a new Children’s Savings Account (CSA) Task Force. The private-public group will be co-chaired by Ann Mulholland, Vice President of Community Impact at the Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations and Nichol Beckstrand, President of Sunrise Banks. The task force will lead community engagement, program design, and will make recommendations on how to fund and implement a future CSA program.
“Letting our children know we believe in their potential is a priceless investment,” said Mayor Carter. "I am so excited that Ann Mulholland and Nichol Beckstrand will help lead this work.”
“Mayor Carter’s vision for creating a bright future for our community by investing in our children is one that the Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations is proud to support," said Ann Mulholland. "I look forward to working with this incredible team, and to be part of turning this vision into a reality.”
“I am honored and excited to co-chair the CSA Task Force for Mayor Carter," said Nichol Beckstrand. "Empowering financial wellness for local families is something I am very passionate about and I look forward to working with my fellow task force members to drive positive change.”
The 30-member task force will engage stakeholders from a variety of sectors including colleges, businesses, banks, birth centers, and community organizations. The group will explore and evaluate community feedback, funding mechanisms, program delivery and financial empowerment education. Saint Paul City Council Member Rebecca Noecker will also serve on the task force.
“This is an exciting time when so many people in our community are recognizing the importance of supporting our kids and are joining together on smart, new ways to do so,” said Councilmember Rebecca Noecker. “I’m happy to be part of this endeavor.”
The task force will meet on a bi-monthly basis and hold additional subcommittee meetings with stakeholders throughout the year. The task force plans to present recommendations to Mayor Carter and the Saint Paul City Council in January 2019.
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