What legislation has AARP supported and opposed in recent years? The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has been a prominent advocate for the rights and interests of older Americans. Over the years, AARP has taken a stance on various legislative issues, both supporting and opposing bills that impact the well-being of its members. This article will explore some of the key legislation that AARP has supported and opposed in recent years.
One of the major areas where AARP has been actively involved is healthcare. The association has supported legislation aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare for older adults. For instance, AARP has advocated for the expansion of Medicare coverage, including the addition of prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Additionally, the organization has supported measures to lower prescription drug costs and has opposed any attempts to weaken the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare.
In the realm of Social Security, AARP has been a strong advocate for maintaining and strengthening the program. The association has opposed any legislation that would cut benefits or raise the retirement age, as these changes would disproportionately affect older Americans. On the other hand, AARP has supported efforts to make the Social Security system more sustainable, such as increasing the payroll tax cap to ensure the long-term solvency of the program.
When it comes to financial security, AARP has been a vocal opponent of legislation that could harm older Americans’ retirement savings. The association has opposed proposals to reduce the tax deduction for retirement plan contributions and has supported measures that encourage retirement savings, such as the expansion of automatic enrollment in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Another area where AARP has taken a stand is on consumer protection. The organization has supported legislation aimed at safeguarding older adults from financial exploitation and fraud. AARP has opposed measures that would weaken consumer protections, such as rolling back regulations on payday lenders and for-profit colleges.
Additionally, AARP has been involved in advocating for transportation and infrastructure improvements. The association has supported legislation that allocates funding for public transportation, ensuring that older adults have access to reliable and affordable transportation options.
In conclusion, the American Association of Retired Persons has been a significant voice in advocating for the interests of older Americans. Over recent years, AARP has supported and opposed various legislative issues, including healthcare, Social Security, financial security, consumer protection, and transportation. By actively engaging in the political process, AARP has worked to ensure that the needs and concerns of older adults are addressed and that their rights are protected.