Public sector workers are heartened after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he would bring a bill that could boost their Social Security benefits to a vote.
The bill to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which reduce Social Security benefits for certain retirees who also receive pension income was passed last month by the House. The bill, or Social Security Fairness Act, has 62 co-sponsors, suggesting it has filibuster-proof support to also be approved by the Senate. Instead, it has languished there to the frustration of public sector workers, who rallied on Wednesday at the Capitol in the rain to demand Schumer bring the bill to a vote. If the bill doesn’t pass by yearend, it dies.
Together, WEP and GPO affect nearly 3 million Americans including police officers, firefighters, postal workers and public-school teachers.
Schumer briefly addressed the rally, telling them “I am here to tell you, we are going to call the vote.”
On Thursday morning, Schumer followed through, filing to close discussion on the Act to push it forward. He also told Senators they would vote next week.
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How do WEP and GPO lower Social Security benefits?
- The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduces Social Security for those who receive so-called “non-covered” pension income from jobs, typically public sector roles, that didn’t…
