### February 12 On February 12, 1791, I made one of my most important contributions to our young country as the first secretary of the treasury. On that day, I presented the House of Representatives with my first report on the public credit of the United States. It was a complex plan and I had to use all my creativity and knowledge of finance, economics and taxation to develop it. A few good jokes helped grease the wheels and make sure it went through! I argued that the federal government should take charge of all state debts that accrued during the Revolutionary War, and fund them by issuing bonds. This would help establish the nation’s credit and lead to economic stability. At the end of the presentation, I received a standing ovation from the entire room. That was one of the proudest moments of my life - and it all happened on February 12.