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AARP Arkansas Pushes for Easier Retirement Savings for Small Businesses

AARP

Updated April 17, 2026

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A 2025 survey of 504 Arkansas small business owners found strong support for an easy, privately managed retirement savings option. The program would help small business owners offer workers a simple way to save for the future.

Nearly 70% of owners who do not currently offer a retirement plan said they would be likely to offer one through a program like this.

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Since early 2025, AARP Arkansas has supported the proposal, called Arkansas Save. In 2026, lawmakers are studying program details along with the state treasurer and secretary of state. Chris McCoy, AARP Arkansas advocacy director, said he expects the bill to be introduced in January 2027.

“I’m encouraged by the collaboration we’ve seen so far and look forward to working with legislators, the treasurer’s office, and the secretary of state’s office to shape the best possible version of Arkansas Save. Our goal is to have a thoughtful, well‑designed bill ready for introduction early in the 2027 regular legislative session.”

Workers would fund the accounts through payroll deductions. Participation would be voluntary, and workers could take the accounts with them if they change jobs.

Arkansas Save: Key points for private-sector employers and workers

Many workers can’t save at work. More than half of Arkansas private-sector workers do not have a way to save for retirement through their job. That can leave people unprepared and increase pressure on taxpayer-funded programs.
It helps people take responsibility for their future. Programs like Arkansas Save make it easier for workers to build their own retirement savings. Americans are 15 times more likely to save for retirement when they can do it through their workplace.
It could reduce costs for taxpayers. About 30% of Arkansans rely on Social Security as their only retirement income. Supporters say Arkansas Save could reduce reliance on public assistance programs. Arkansas taxpayers could save up to $2.7 billion over 20 years. Source: Pew Charitable Trusts research, 2023
It supports small businesses. Offering a retirement savings option can help small employers compete for workers. Arkansas Save is designed to be easy to run with no direct cost to the employer.
It’s a common-sense, easy option. Workers could choose how much to save through automatic payroll deductions. They could keep the same account if they moved to a new job.
The bottom line. Supporters say Social Security alone is often not enough to cover basic living costs in retirement. Arkansas Save would give more workers a way to build retirement savings without adding administrative burdens for small business owners.