AARP Georgia to Rally at Capitol for Retirement Savings Legislation

AARP is calling on its members and supporters to join them at the State Capitol on February 11, 2025, for Lobby Day, a day of action dedicated to strengthening financial security for Georgia workers. Advocates will meet with lawmakers to push for a common-sense retirement savings solution aimed at helping more Georgians prepare for their future.

With nearly 54% of Georgia’s private-sector workers employed by businesses that do not offer a retirement plan, thousands of hardworking individuals risk entering retirement with little to no savings. According to a recent Bankrate Retirement Savings Survey, 57% of American workers feel unprepared for retirement, including 68% of Gen Xers and 66% of Baby Boomers.

The Work and Save Payroll Deduction Retirement Bill, sponsored by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, will help increase retirement income, allow workers to build their economic security, and make saving easier, according to Alice Bennett, AARP Georgia’s Manager of Advocacy.

“AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age. Financial security is key to ensuring that choice,” Bennett said. “This retirement plan helps Georgians build their retirement savings, so they rely more on their own hard-earned money.”

AARP Georgia’s State Director Vanessa J. Payne said, “This initiative doesn’t cost employers a dime and it gives their employees an easy and secure way to plan for the future. Best of all, the savings move with the worker, from job to job.”

AARP Lobby Day will begin at 9 a.m. in the West Tower, Twin Towers State Buildings, 200 Piedmont Avenue, SE. Atlanta. Participants will then proceed to the Capitol for a full day of activities.

Lobby Day Schedule:

Morning:

8:30 AM: Volunteers arrive at the Capitol and park in the Pete Hackney parking lot.
9:00 AM: Meet in the staging area (Sloppy Floyd Room 20th Floor) for breakfast and opening program, with a potential address from a legislator.

Mid-Morning:

10:00 AM: Volunteers proceed to the Capitol to view the General Assembly session from the gallery.
11:20 AM: Volunteers proceed to the South stairwell for photo with the Governor Brian Kemp

Midday:

12:00 PM (or 30 minutes before adjournment): Volunteers return to the staging area for the lunch and program. Speakers will include AARP’s Leadership and selected General Assembly members

Afternoon:

1:00 PM: Volunteers receive legislative packets and head to the Capitol for scheduled office visits in groups of 3-4.
4:00 PM: Volunteers reconvene in the debrief room to report on their legislative meetings and discuss outcomes.