by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Respondents to a statewide poll conducted by AARP showed overwhelming support for legislation to make it easier for businesses to access retirement savings choices for workers. The results of the survey were released Monday (March 3).

The AARP Small Business Survey of 504 small business owners across Arkansas showed 79% support for a privately managed, ready-to-go retirement savings option for small business owners that would enable them to offer workers a way to save for the future. And 88% agreed that state lawmakers should support a bill that makes it easier for small business owners to access a retirement savings option for their employees and themselves.

HB 1335, sponsored by Rep. Les Warren, R-Hot Springs, is currently a shell bill. Warren, who co-chairs the Joint Public Retirement Committee and has years of experience working in the trust division of a bank, said the purpose of the bill is to provide a retirement plan option for employees whose employers don’t offer a 401(k) or similar option.

AARP survey shows small business support for more retirement options for workers