WILMINGTON — State Treasurer Colleen Davis hosted the first of several public forums about an upcoming low-cost retirement savings plan, the Delaware Expanding Access for Retirement and Necessary Savings Program, on Tuesday at the Police Athletic League of Wilmington.

The next meeting is set for May 4 at 6 p.m. at Living Grace Worship Cathedral in Middletown. A third will take place in June, co-sponsored by AARP Delaware.

EARNS, which will begin in January 2025, will automatically enroll employees into a state-facilitated retirement savings plan unless they elect to opt out.

“Taking the EARNS message to communities with many small businesses and residents who work for these businesses will help us share the value of the program,” Ms. Davis said.

“Explaining to entrepreneurs that they can open the door for their employees’ retirement savings with no cost and minimal effort can help it become a valuable tool in hiring and retaining quality workers that help keep small businesses running.”

The presentation included information on the pending retirement crisis, including how 39% of the state’s workforce does not have an easy way to save through a retirement program at work.

The Delaware EARNS Program Board and its three standing committees, the Program & Investment Committee; the Audit, Policy & Governance Committee; and the Outreach & Engagement Committee, have continued to meet to establish policies and procedures.

The board last gathered Thursday and will meet again July 13 and Oct. 12.

To learn more, visit de.gov/earns or treasurer.delaware.gov/earns_board.