AARP Minnesota Advocacy Hub

AARP Minnesota fought for two significant changes to benefits for workers: a state-facilitated retirement savings program and a paid family and medical leave program.

Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota workers will have access to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)—a new state benefit that provides financial support and job protection when you need time away from work to care for yourself or a loved one.

Minnesota is launching a new way to help workers save for retirement. Secure Choice is a state-facilitated retirement savings program designed for private-sector workers who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k). A recent study found 60% of retirement savings-eligible employees were actually non-participants.

Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.

The State Legislature bridged a historically narrow political divide to pass a two-year state budget during a special session. Despite facing challenges such as vacancies in both chambers, federal budget uncertainties, and a looming structural deficit, the Legislature successfully advanced several of AARP Minnesota’s key legislative priorities. AARP Minnesota advocates for the rights and well-being of older Minnesotans. With over 620,000 members, AARP ensures that the voices of older adults are heard in the legislative process each year. This session, AARP Minnesota achieved significant legislative victories, including the following.

AARP Minnesota is raising concerns over a recent decision by the Legislature’s Commerce working group that could significantly impact Medicare choices for older Minnesotans.

Most Minnesotans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. A state law passed in 2023 will soon help older residents choose the best Medicare plan for their needs. Unfortunately, some lawmakers want to repeal this law.

As the final month of an unconventional legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol unfolds, AARP Minnesota is advocating for the rights and well-being of older Minnesotans. Key priorities include establishing a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, protecting assisted living residents, and expanding housing options.

The new law requires cryptocurrency-ATM operators to issue refunds to victims of fraud if they're considered new customers.

Watch our People's Rally to hear stories from people impacted by fraud and learn more about our work on a Fraud Restitution Fund.

As the 2025 Minnesota State Legislature gets underway in January, AARP will advocate for a range of measures to improve the lives of those 50 and older.

AARP Minnesota is pushing for the passage of legislation to create a state-level Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund (Fund) for victims of fraud, modeled after the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Civil Penalty Fund.

People are 20 times more likely to save for retirement if contributions are automatically deducted from their paychecks. Minnesota’s Secure Choice Retirement Program is a new state-sponsored plan designed to help small businesses offer employees an easy way to save for their future.

The Federal Trade Commission reported over $10 billion in losses due to fraud and identity theft last year. AARP is committed to combating fraud by educating people about current trends and consumer protections.AARP successfully advocated for new consumer protections in Minnesota this year, including...

AARP Minnesota is ramping up efforts to increase awareness about the importance of Social Security and encourage candidates in the November election to make shoring up the program’s finances a priority.