AARP believes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide some relief for struggling Americans, and there is more that can be done to help older Americans to jump-start our ailing economy.

AARP Calls on The Senate to Support Consumer Protections

Today, too many Americans are paying the price for an outdated regulatory system that has left them victim to unfair lending practices, foreclosures, fraud and excessive credit card fees.   That’s why AARP is supporting new financial protections for older Americans, including the establishment of a consumer financial protection agency that holds banks accountable to all Americans.

AARP urges the Senate to pass legislation that includes consumer protections that:

Require Transparency. Banks will have to disclose the terms and conditions of loans and credit card debt in plain language.
 
Protect Borrowers. Older Americans will be protected from predatory lending practices such as excessive fees and penalties on practices ranging from mortgages to credit cards.

Strengthen Enforcement. Federal and state regulatory authorities must coordinate efforts to enforce banking laws.
 
Customize Products. Banks will be required to offer only those products that meet a person’s specific needs and repayment capabilities.

To read more about AARP’s financial regulatory reform priorities, click here.

AARP Calls for Emergency Relief for Older Americans

The Social Security Administration recently announced that, as a result of the weak economy, there will be no Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2010. So, instead of seeing an increase in their check next year, seniors' benefits will be frozen. Since this announcement, AARP has heard from thousands of AARP members who were counting on their yearly increase to help pay for food, utilities and health care. AARP is working with members of Congress from both parties to find a solution to this problem that will bring seniors some financial relief and put money directly in their pockets.

AARP members can tell their members of Congress to act now to ensure seniors get the relief they deserve.

AARP Members to See Final Votes on Economic Recovery

With "Government Watch," AARP is giving its 40 million members an eye on how Congress votes on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The legislation is a key vote for AARP, because, the organization says, the bill offers real relief to older Americans and jump-starts our economy. AARP members can see how their Senators and Representatives voted and share their feedback on this important legislation.

2009 Legislative Priorities

Do you know what legislation AARP members think would help improve the lives of older Americans? Find out why 80 million eyes are watching to see how you vote on specific legislation.

• Helping Families Save Their Homes Act

AARP on the Issues

Do you know what issues are important to AARP's 40 million members? Find out how AARP's 40 million members think we should reform health care, put more people on the road to retirement security, and ensure that all our communities are safe, affordable, and accessible to people of all generations.

• Housing and Mortgage Foreclosures

Economy Watch

From AARP Bulletin Today

Visit the Economy Watch page for the latest economic news from AARP Bulletin Today.

Real Relief

To show we understand that we can't look to government alone to fix this economic crisis, AARP and the AARP Foundation offer programs in every state to help people find jobs, access public benefits, drive safely, avoid consumer fraud, and much more.

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