AARP PRAISES LABOR DEPARTMENT FOR GIVING GREEN LIGHT TO STATE-BASED RETIREMENT PLANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Millea, Jennifer

November 16. 2015

 

CONTACT:

AARP MEDIA RELATIONS, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia

 

Important Step Forward to Improve Access to Workplace Savings, says AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s  proposed rule today reaffirming the right of states to adopt retirement savings programs for their private sector workers won quick praise today from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.

“AARP applauds the Department’s proposal to clear the way for state initiatives to help the estimated 55 million Americans who have no way to save at work,” LeaMond said in a statement.

“The proposed rule provides greater clarity and sends a strong signal that states should continue to pursue solutions for workers who are well behind in their savings,” LeaMond added.

“The state plans – what we call ‘Work and Save’ – provide a dynamic route to retirement savings for millions in the private sector, in partnership with private sector employers and state government.”

In the last year, the “Work and Save” movement – with strong backing from AARP – has gathered momentum in state legislatures and among key state elected officials.

Illinois, Washington State and Oregon already have approved laws to provide access to savings vehicles.  The New Jersey legislature is considering a plan this fall.

LeaMond cited a surge in interest in the plans, with more than half of the states interested in pursuing a private sector retirement savings issue in 2016.

The Labor Department’s notice of proposed rulemaking today included support for providing private sector workers access to payroll deduction savings plans and automatic enrollment through state programs that mandate auto-enrollment in IRAs.

LeaMond said that without these features, plans are far less effective in helping people save their own money for retirement. Payroll deduction alone makes workers 15 times more likely to save, according to research by the AARP Public Policy Institute.

LeaMond commended Secretary Perez and the Labor Department for their ongoing efforts to expand retirement coverage.

The Labor Department also issued an “Interpretive Bulletin” to assist states interested in establishing ERISA-covered plans for non-covered employees, and outlined three approaches that would not be preempted by ERISA, including the establishment of a state marketplace to connect eligible employers with retirement plans available in the private marketplace.  The proposed rule and Interpretive Bulletin provide states with a clear path forward to pursue numerous alternatives to improve retirement plan coverage in their state.

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