Seniors & Retirement

Problem

The senior population is growing in the Territory. Many seniors struggle to afford prescription medications, access in-home support, or find appropriate long-term care options, forcing too many families to send loved ones off-island for care and creating significant emotional and financial hardship.

Solution

• Build independent and assisted living communities through public-private partnerships
• Expand workforce training for healthcare professionals and provide incentives to attract providers, while strengthening in-home care options to help seniors remain in their communities longer
• Reopen senior centers
• Increase the percentage of funding for prescription support for seniors.

Impact

Seniors can age in their communities, afford essential medications, and age with dignity.

Problem

Many seniors on fixed incomes struggle to keep up with rising cost of living, often choosing between purchasing medications and paying their property tax bills, making it harder to remain in the homes and communities they built over a lifetime.

Solution

Establish a tiered, age- and income-based property tax relief program for senior homeowners, with full exemptions available to qualifying seniors who reside in their homes as their primary residence.

Impact

Greater financial relief for seniors, stronger housing stability, reduced financial strain on families, and the ability for more elders to remain in their homes and communities.

Problem

High employee contribution rates and long-term instability in GERS reduce take-home pay and discourage talented professionals from joining or staying in government roles. This contributes to vacancies, turnover, and weaker public service delivery.

Solution

• Enhance plan stability via legislative/actuarial reforms: secure reliable funding (e.g., full rum cover-over utilization, dedicated stabilization funds), improve investment strategies, and implement governance changes for fiduciary oversight
• Introduce incentives like matching contributions, portable options, or supplemental retirement savings (e.g., 457/403(b) enhancements) to boost perceived value
• Conduct transparent actuarial reviews and public education to rebuild trust in GERS as a viable long-term benefit

Impact

More competitive compensation and retirement benefits that attract and retain skilled professionals, reduced vacancies and turnover, stronger government performance, improved long-term fiscal stability, and increased confidence in public service careers.