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The following principles guide AARP’s efforts to further budgetary decisions that reflect the needs of all members of society.
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.
Congress and state legislatures should ensure that all lawfully present non-citizen residents who qualify for essential low-income benefits have access to them.
Asset limits for public-benefit programs should be increased to ensure that they do not discourage saving. These limits should then be indexed to keep up with inflation.
The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit level should be increased to bring beneficiaries up to the poverty level. States should supplement those benefit payments.
Congress should fund a systematic review of the safety and efficacy of the most common dietary supplements, as outlined in a 2004 Institute of Medicine rep
When economic conditions permit, states should accumulate budget reserves adequate to maintain services during recessions.
Deficit-reduction efforts should avoid cuts in programs that serve low- and moderate-income populations.
The Federal Trade Commission and state consumer protection agencies should investigate complaints of high-pressure sales tactics that inhibit older people
The definition of household in SNAP regulations should be clarified. It should be easier for extended families to qualify for and receive adequate benefits.