Washington, DC (October 17, 2007) – Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) has been named the first recipient of the Institute for Financial Literacy’s "Visa Legislator of the Year for Excellence in Financial Literacy Education" Award. Hinojosa is the co-founder and co-chair of the House of Representatives’ Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus. The Caucus provides a forum for Members of Congress to promote successful policies and advance financial literacy and economic education.

"Financial literacy means empowerment – power to responsibly manage money, credit, and debt," said Hinojosa. "However, too many consumers today don't really understand their finances. It is imperative that all of us take an active role in providing financial and economic education for children and adults alike."

"Congressman Hinojosa has not only been a tireless champion of financial education but through his leadership has helped to shine a national spotlight on the problem of financial illiteracy and how best to combat it," said Jason Alderman, director of financial education for Visa Inc.

"Congressman Hinojosa was the clear choice to win this award because of his tireless passion and dedication to a critical issue of financial education," said Leslie E. Linfield, the Executive Director and Founder of the Institute for Financial Literacy.

As part of its second Annual Conference on Financial Education, The Institute for Financial Literacy has created the Excellence in Financial Literacy and Education Awards to recognize individuals who have displayed an exceptional commitment to supporting and bringing a creative approach to personal finance learning. The Institute's "Visa Legislator of the Year for Excellence in Financial Literacy Education" Award is given to the elected official who has made a significant difference in improving the financial literacy level in America.