Take action to pass the Social Security Fairness Act to fully repeal GPO/WEP
Take action to pass the Social Security Fairness Act to fully repeal GPO/WEP
Sen. Ed Markey makes a powerful case for the Social Security Fairness Act
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) calls on the Senate to pass the #SocialSecurityFairnessAct and restore earned Social Security benefits for teachers, firefighters and public servants of all stripes “We have an opportunity to finally see this repeal through to conclusion," said Markey, speaking from the Senate floor on Thursday, Dec. 5.
About GPO/WEP
Massachusetts public employees do not participate in Social Security, but some public employees may be eligible for benefits through other employment or their spouses. However, two federal laws, the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, can significantly reduce the personal or spousal/survivor Social Security benefits of certain retired Massachusetts educators simply because they also receive a public sector pension. These are deeply unjust laws that unfairly punish public employees who have paid into Social Security themselves or whose spouses have contributed to the system. It is essential to the economic security of current and future retirees that GPO and WEP are finally addressed, which is why the MTA is urging passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation would fully repeal both provisions and ensure that retired educators receive the benefits that are owed to them.
Additional Resources
- GPO/WEP Explained, Mass Retirees
- About GPO and WEP, NEA
- NEA Today Coverage