Pressure is mounting for the Senate to vote on a bill that could return Social Security benefits public sector workers feel they’re entitled to.
The Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), was passed by the U.S. House in November and has been awaiting a Senate vote. The bill must be voted on by year end, or it dies.
WEP and GPO reduce Social Security benefits for certain retirees who also receive pension income. Together, WEP and GPO affect nearly 3 million Americans including police officers, firefighters, postal workers and public-school teachers.
Knowing the deadline is fast-approaching, many public sector workers and senators are pleading for the Senate to bring the Act for a vote. In the past few weeks, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have either made impassioned speeches on the Senate floor or written letters. Public sector workers from across the nation plan to rally at the Capitol on Dec. 11.
“It is shameful that such a widely supported measure has yet to be scheduled for a vote,” said Susan Dixon, 68, retired schoolteacher in San Clemente, California, and president of the California Retired Teachers Association. “I will be at the rally to ensure our voices are heard and to demand action for the millions of retirees who deserve fairness and respect. It is also critical that our Senators are present for…
