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State and local policymakers should encourage the construction of more housing units to ensure that people of all incomes and ability levels can afford to live in a community. 

A variety of government policies and employer practices safeguard the rights of workers to fair treatment, safety in the workplace, and a measure of financial security.

All levels of government have developed standards and guidance to ensure fair employment practices. They address wages, working conditions, and other aspects of work.

Policymakers and the private sector should work to eliminate barriers to women’s employment. They should ensure equality in employment opportunities, pay, and benefits.

Federal, state, and local laws should strengthen protections for workers in terms of wages, hours, safety, and other features of employment. 

In addition to Social Security and Medicare, employers are required to participate in two forms of insurance to protect their workers. One is the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system.

Policymakers should explore new and innovative approaches to address unemployment. 

Workers should be eligible for full workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits regardless of age and other sources of income, such as pensions. 

Older workers may choose to or need to continue working. However, they face discrimination based on age, especially in layoffs and hiring.

The following principles guide AARP’s efforts to further budgetary decisions that reflect the needs of all members of society.