Advocacy

AARP has long advocated for Social Security tax relief. While we have appreciated past legislative actions that have provided some state relief for beneficiaries, the fact remains that more retirees are paying taxes on their benefits. With a historic $17.6 billion surplus, it’s time to stop taxing these hard-earned benefits.  

The expectation of a comfortable retirement is no longer a reality for far too many Americans, especially those who work for small businesses. Minnesota is part of a national movement seeking to reverse this trend. AARP Minnesota is calling on lawmakers to pass the MN Secure Choice Retirement Program (HF 782; Becker-Finn /SF 413; Pappas), which allows workers to set aside wages through an easily accessible savings program.

AARP Minnesota commends Governor Walz on the proposed One Minnesota budget that includes measures that will support older adults and their family caregivers to address our state’s rapidly aging demographic. However, AARP is disappointed the Governor’s budget doesn’t provide more Social Security tax relief for Minnesota retirees.

AARP in Minnesota has called on lawmakers to pass a Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member or a worker’s own serious health condition. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (HF2; Richardson/SF2; Mann) would allow working family caregivers in Minnesota to take time off from their paid jobs without the fear of losing their paycheck.

AARP Minnesota urges lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at curbing high drug prices that drive up insurance premiums and government spending on Medicare and Medicaid which increase costs for all Americans.

The state Legislature is considering paid a family- and medical-leave bill that would establish a state-run insurance program to provide up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for workers who take leave to care for a family member, for a pregnancy or because of a serious illness.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought to light a long-standing but little-known provision in state law that reduces the unemployment benefits for certain sidelined workers who also receive Social Security.

AARP is supporting legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and forcing pharmaceutical companies to justify large increases.

Minnesota recently raised the income limit for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides families with monthly financial help to buy groceries. AARP strongly advocated for the expansion.

A new law aims to protect older adults at risk of abuse and neglect by requiring assisted living facilities to be licensed starting in 2021.