DE EARNS is good for workers and small businesses alike

A recent AARP survey of Delawareans age 45 and older revealed that 92 percent of those who responded are worried about having enough savings to retire. AARP learned that 68% of Delawareans think it’s important to have a way to save for retirement through the workplace. That’s why AARP supports House Bill 205, DE EARNS. This state-facilitated savings opportunity makes it easier for workers to save for the future, right out of their paychecks. AARP believes people should age with dignity and independence, and DE EARNS will help make that possible for all.

DE EARNS is good for workers and small business owners alike. “I started the manufacturing portion of my business this past year and added 21 new employees,” said Jennifer McMillan, owner of JennyGems. “DE Earns is the type of program that can help my business grow and recruit quality employees as we continue to expand. I encourage legislators to pass DE Earns to help small businesses like mine stay competitive and help Delawareans prepare for retirement.”

Today, a secure future is out of reach for hundreds of thousands of Delaware residents, especially those who work for themselves or small businesses. While Social Security is a critical piece of the puzzle, it is not enough to depend on in retirement. The average working-age household only has $2,500 saved for retirement, and near-retirement households only have $14,500. AARP Delaware urges state lawmakers to enact DE EARNS to help Delaware private-sector workers save for the future.

Giving employees a simple way to save for retirement will mean fewer Delaware residents need to rely on public assistance later in life, saving taxpayer dollars. In fact, Delaware could save taxpayers as much as $18.2 million.

People are fifteen times more likely to save if they can do so through their work using payroll deduction, yet:

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• 46% of Delaware employees have no access to a retirement savings plan through their employers; and5
  
• 66% of Delaware workers employed by businesses with fewer than 100 employees do not have a pension or retirement plan.6   
  
  DE EARNS is voluntary for employees, and it’s up to each worker to decide if they want to participate. Contributions are made with an automatic deduction from their paychecks, and each worker chooses how much to contribute. Workers may opt-out if they wish.
  
  “The pandemic has shown how vital it is for Americans to have savings to depend on,” said AARP Delaware State Director Lucretia Young.” DE EARNS would allow Delaware private-sector workers to easily save for the future to take care of themselves, and afford life’s necessities like food and medicine as they age.”