AARP FOCUSED ON FINANCIAL SECURITY DURING 2014 SESSION

AARP’s focus during the 2014 Legislative Session will be strengthening the financial security of Minnesotans.  Whether nearing retirement, or putting their kids through college, AARP is fighting to put financial security within reach for Minnesotans who work hard and plan for their future.

In order to strengthen the financial security of all Minnesotans, including unpaid family caregivers, and protect utility customers from unfair price increases and the possibility that they could lose land line telephone service, AARP is focusing on three key areas this legislative session.

Increase Financial Security – Enact Minnesota Secure Choice  

In Minnesota 1,216,536 people-- or 39.8 percent of workers -- do not even have access to a retirement plan at work. AARP is advocating for a new Minnesota Secure Choice in Retirement Plan that will enable people to save for retirement at work by providing a convenient and voluntary way to save on the job, and to continue to save if they change jobs. The Secure Choice Plan would be created at the state level and allow workers to set aside wages through an easily accessible, low-cost retirement savings vehicle.

Address Economic Security of Unpaid Family Caregivers  

Today, nearly 700,000 Minnesotans are providing unpaid care for their loved ones.  Family caregivers often struggle to balance their work and caregiving responsibilities -- which can create financial hardship.  Many caregivers lose income or have to leave the workforce due to caregiving demands. AARP urges the Legislature to adopt workplace policies that promote workplace flexibility and economic security for caregivers, including:

Getty Images

• Requiring all employers to offer paid sick leave to their employees to use to take care of their aging parents and relatives.
• Protecting family caregivers from workplace discrimination by adding family caregivers as a protected class under employment law; and
• Protecting caregiver spouses from financial hardship when their loved ones need Medicaid and they remain in the community.

 

Protect Consumer Choice in Utilities and Telecommunications

Utility bills are becoming a larger portion of the household budget for those aged 50 and older.  That’s why AARP is fighting for fair and reasonable utility rates, as well as safe and reliable services.  AARP also opposes legislation that would unfairly deregulate basic telephone service and put reliable phone service at risk.  We’re fighting to ensure our members and all Minnesota families have reliable, affordable phone service they can count on, especially during extreme weather or other emergencies.