TEACHERS AND SOCIAL SECURITY
On Tuesday, April 16th, the U.S. House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee heard testimony from Social Security experts about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). As IRTA members are aware, these policies unfairly harm retired educators, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants. The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, and S. 597, seeks a full repeal of WEP and GPO. These bills have overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. H.R. 82 has over 300 co-sponsors in the House, while S. 597 has 53 co-sponsors in the Senate.
At Tuesday’s hearing, witnesses provided examples of how the outdated formulas used to calculate the WEP and GPO create unfair outcomes for beneficiaries who are affected by one or both policies. The committee heard from witnesses who discussed the intended purpose, shortcomings, and alternatives to these polices. Unfortunately, the committee hearing served as a subject-matter hearing only and did not result in a committee vote. A timeline for action to advance the Social Security Fairness Act was not provided. It is understood that this is frustrating and is not the desired outcome. It's important to remember that the lack of Congressional action means that continued engagement with elected officials in Congress remains a top priority.
IRTA's member wide Call to Action resulted in over 4,000 messages in support of H.R. 82 being sent to members of the U.S. Congress. As Congress continues to examine solutions aimed at addressing WEP and GPO, IRTA remains engaged in this issue and encourages IRTA members to remain vigilant in expressing support for a full repeal of WEP and GPO.
On Tuesday, April 16th, the U.S. House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee heard testimony from Social Security experts about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). As IRTA members are aware, these policies unfairly harm retired educators, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants. The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, and S. 597, seeks a full repeal of WEP and GPO. These bills have overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. H.R. 82 has over 300 co-sponsors in the House, while S. 597 has 53 co-sponsors in the Senate.
At Tuesday’s hearing, witnesses provided examples of how the outdated formulas used to calculate the WEP and GPO create unfair outcomes for beneficiaries who are affected by one or both policies. The committee heard from witnesses who discussed the intended purpose, shortcomings, and alternatives to these polices. Unfortunately, the committee hearing served as a subject-matter hearing only and did not result in a committee vote. A timeline for action to advance the Social Security Fairness Act was not provided. It is understood that this is frustrating and is not the desired outcome. It's important to remember that the lack of Congressional action means that continued engagement with elected officials in Congress remains a top priority.
IRTA's member wide Call to Action resulted in over 4,000 messages in support of H.R. 82 being sent to members of the U.S. Congress. As Congress continues to examine solutions aimed at addressing WEP and GPO, IRTA remains engaged in this issue and encourages IRTA members to remain vigilant in expressing support for a full repeal of WEP and GPO.