Advocacy

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.

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.

Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.

A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.

As Social Security approaches its 90th anniversary in August, AARP Minnesota is planning events around the state where the public can share stories about how important the program is — or will be — to their retirement security.

The State Legislature bridged a historically narrow political divide to pass a two-year state budget during a special session. Despite facing challenges such as vacancies in both chambers, federal budget uncertainties, and a looming structural deficit, the Legislature successfully advanced several of AARP Minnesota’s key legislative priorities. AARP Minnesota advocates for the rights and well-being of older Minnesotans. With over 620,000 members, AARP ensures that the voices of older adults are heard in the legislative process each year. This session, AARP Minnesota achieved significant legislative victories, including the following.

AARP Minnesota is raising concerns over a recent decision by the Legislature’s Commerce working group that could significantly impact Medicare choices for older Minnesotans.