AARP Minnesota

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Advocating for what is important to our members and giving you a voice at the state and federal levels is a priority for AARP Minnesota. Your voice matters. We work with local organizations and town and city officials on making our communities more livable and greater places to age with dignity and purpose.

Bemidji is taking steps to become a more livable community, a place where people of all ages can afford to live, move around safely, access essential services, work and volunteer, and engage in civic and social life.

AARP Minnesota fought for two significant changes to benefits for workers: a state-facilitated retirement savings program and a paid family and medical leave program.

Minnesota is launching a new way to help workers save for retirement. Secure Choice is a state-facilitated retirement savings program designed for private-sector workers who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k). A recent study found 60% of retirement savings-eligible employees were actually non-participants.

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Minnesotans—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available.

Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota workers will have access to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)—a new state benefit that provides financial support and job protection when you need time away from work to care for yourself or a loved one.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will provide workers with job-protected, partially paid time off for medical and caregiving needs. As an employer, you’ll play a key role in supporting your team—and complying with the law.

What makes a community truly livable? It’s more than just housing and infrastructure—it’s about creating places where people of all ages can thrive. A livable community is one where residents can afford to live, move around safely, access essential services, work and volunteer, and feel included in civic and social life. As Minnesota’s population grows older and preferences evolve, communities across the state are stepping up to meet the moment.

No matter where you are in the caregiver journey, these local agencies and organizations can help make the process easier