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More than 30 million Americans participate in some form of public government employee retirement plan. Among others, they include:
Federal, state, and local government retirement plans are usually defined-benefit (DB) pensions with benefits based on an employee’s salary in the years just before retirement.
People are more likely to save when saving occurs automatically through mechanisms such as payroll deductions. Only about half of U.S. workers have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
People need support for nonretirement savings and debt repayment. Such assistance can help improve financial security and preserve resources for retirement.
Taxation is the primary way governments fund essential programs and services. The following principles support this goal while also ensuring equity in how revenues are raised.
The following principles guide AARP’s efforts to ensure financial security in retirement.
U.S. House members and state representatives are elected by district. Those districts are updated each decade after the census in a process known as redistricting.
Democracies require openness and honesty in government. This means government policymaking and institutions function in public view.
Political advocacy is a cornerstone of democracy. This includes the ability to lobby public officials. However, professional lobbyists may exert outsized influence on policymakers.
The following principles guide AARP’s efforts to increase the accountability of government officials, promote access, and encourage civic engagement.