WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond today made the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order to suspend payroll taxes:

“While we agree that economic help for families impacted by coronavirus is needed, AARP is concerned by the Administration’s decision to suspend collection of payroll taxes, including that it won’t achieve its stated objective. Many Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree that a payroll tax suspension raises a number of problems – including potentially for employers who will need to repay taxes they have collected from employees but have not been forwarded to the U.S. Treasury. Further, this approach does not provide needed help to families out of work through no fault of their own. 

“Social Security is more crucial than ever as Americans face the one-two punch of the coronavirus’s health and economic consequences. But, this approach exacerbates people’s already-heightened fears and concerns about their financial and retirement security. Social Security’s guaranteed benefits are indispensable. Families impacted by coronavirus urgently need help, and we believe bipartisan congressional action on another coronavirus aid bill is the right solution.”

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact: Colby Nelson, cnelson@aarp.org, 202-706-8416, @AARPMedia