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

Maintaining trust and confidence in the government requires strong democratic processes and government institutions.

Government budgets reflect the priorities of policymakers. They specify what programs and activities the government will support and how to raise the money needed to fund them.

Policymakers should enact and update public financing systems for elections. This includes increasing matching funds, particularly for small donations.

Policymakers should establish and enforce uniform standards to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Policymakers should encourage and promote maximum participation in the electoral process.

Public health officials and policymakers should recognize social isolation as a significant public health issue and social determinant of health.

Policymakers and the private sector should develop a standardized screening tool to identify individuals experiencing social isolation.

Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers should reimburse providers for the use of a standardized tool, including during “Welcome to Medicare” and Annual Wellness visits.

During times of crisis, state and local governments and the private sector should use evidence-based tools to identify, monitor, and address social isolation among older adults.