WASHINGTON – A panel of the American Association of Retired Persons Friday voted to support federal studies of the gambling industry and ways to preserve Social Security.
The AARP’s National Legislative Council also supported restrictions on utility-company mergers, in the interest of customers.
And it supported stronger enforcement of campaign fund- raising laws by the Federal Election Commission.
The recommendations must go before the older-American group’s board of directors for final approval.
The gambling resolution urged a study of the industry and its effects on state and local economies and crime.
New policy language also urges Congress to consider plans to direct a portion of Social Security money into other trust funds and alternate investments.
The council made these recommendations during a meeting at the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. The meeting capped a week- long conference, which included presentations by members of Congress, including House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.
AARP is a non-partisan lobbying group of more than 30 million Americans age 50 and older, said AARP spokesman Ted Bobrow. The group educates its members on political issues and encourages older people to take part in the political system. -30-