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Defined contribution plan account holders should have to obtain written spousal consent to take payment from the account in a form other than a joint-and-survivor annuity.

Public-benefit programs should ensure that families headed by grandparents and other caregiver relatives receive sufficient support for economic security and well-being. 

Medical debt should be excluded from consumer credit reports (see also

The Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Trust Funds should maintain a minimum reserve of one and a half to two years as a cushion against an economic downturn.

If changes are made to Social Security that extend the life of the trust funds, Congress could authorize the investment of a portion of the Social Security reserves in investments other than Treasu

Policymakers should increase the percentage of wages subject to the payroll tax at least to historically intended levels and otherwise increase the progressivity of the Social Security financing sy

Efforts to balance the budget or address shortfalls should remain the purview of the legislative branch. They should be fully negotiated by elected officials. 

When economic conditions permit, states should accumulate budget reserves adequate to maintain services during recessions.

Policymakers should increase food benefits and expand eligibility for food programs. 

Governments should not limit their ability to address future economic and political changes and the need for investments.