Building an Economy that Works for Everyone

Retirement Security Accounts and Public Opinion

A proposal to provide all workers the ability to save for retirement, Washington Voluntary Accounts, is popular with Washington state residents and business owners, according to polling and focus groups conducted during the winter of 2001-2002. WVAs would be a defined contribution plan open to any worker in the state, administered by the Washington state Department of Retirement systems.

The Poll  

A poll of 401 Washington state residents over age 18 was conducted by the Evans McDonough Company between January 18 and 22, 2002.

  • 91% agreed that it is important for people to have some kind of retirement plan in addition to Social Security in order to have economic security in their old age.
  • 82% said they would favor a new, government sponsored 401(k)-style retirement plan open to all workers and employers, and portable as workers moved from job to job.
  • Strong majorities of all demographic and political groups supported the proposal.
  • Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More To Read

May 2, 2024

Baby Bonds: A Step Toward Racial and Economic Equity

The Washington Future Fund would bring this innovative, anti-racist policy to the Evergreen State

May 1, 2024

Laws Targeting LGBTQ Youth Aren’t Just Bad for Kids – They’re Bad For The Economy

The harm done by anti-LGBTQ laws expands so much further than queer children and teens

April 26, 2024

What is WA Cares and Why Does It Matter for Washingtonians?

We need to defend this important policy from billionaires looking to save a buck