BOSTON — Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg today visited Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood on her statewide economic empowerment tour. The Treasurer joined local officials on a tour the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) on a visit geared toward raising awareness about the Commonwealth’s new Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE).

“At Treasury, we launched a new Office of Economic Empowerment to oversee a broad range of initiatives to enhance economic stability and economic security,” said Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. “Today’s stop in Chinatown highlights our commitment to invest in our students, families, seniors, veterans and service members by providing critical financial skills and tools in all communities across the state. We are empowering people to empower themselves.”

"Treasurer Goldberg's Financial Literacy initiative will strengthen families across the Commonwealth,” said Michelle Wu, Boston City Councilor At Large. “Particularly in immigrant communities, financial literacy opens the door to economic opportunity and the American Dream. I'm proud to help connect constituents to this important program."

On day one in office, Treasurer Goldberg created the OEE led by a deputy treasurer with the deliberate goal of incorporating a range of initiatives, including financial literacy, college affordability, and programming to support wage equality.

OEE last week announced a statewide advisory committee on wage equality, bringing together best practices from across the state to develop innovative strategies to address the Commonwealth’s wage gap. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, a leader on wage equity through his Women’s Workforce Council, will serve as the honorary chair of the committee.

The BCNC, which currently has 72 employees and more than 200 volunteers, was founded in 1968 by local residents. Financial literacy is a priority of the center and programming includes One Hen Inc., a program that empowers children to become social entrepreneurs by building financial skills, and teaching money management. Its adult financial literacy program, Build a Better Life, offers free financial planning and advice.

A businesswoman, local official and community leader, Deborah Goldberg was elected state treasurer in 2014 on a platform to protect taxpayer dollars, bring new levels of transparency to state government and advance policies that break down barriers and create economic empowerment.

For more information on the Office of Economic Empowerment visit www.mass.gov/treasury or by following the hashtag #EqualPayMA.

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