Contact Congress Before Noon Tuesday to Help Pass H.R. 82!
Adjunct faculty, retirees, and all public service workers impacted by unfair Social Security reductions—this is your chance to make your voice heard. The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) goes to a vote in the House on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with the vote scheduled for 6:30 PM ET.
With 330 co-sponsors, H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, has strong bipartisan support, yet your representative’s final vote could determine whether this bill finally passes. Here’s what you need to know and do to support the full repeal of these unjust provisions:
What’s at Stake
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for those who’ve dedicated their careers to public service. These offsets impact educators, police, firefighters, and other public servants, cutting earned benefits and eliminating spousal or survivor benefits. Nearly 70% of retirees lose all their Social Security benefits due to these offsets.
H.R. 82 offers a full repeal of both WEP and GPO, ensuring that retired public servants receive the benefits they’ve paid for. Alternatively, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2023, sponsored by Rep. Arrington, proposes a partial WEP adjustment that leaves many inequities unaddressed.
Take Action Now!
Make your voice count by contacting your Representative. Here’s how:
1. Find your representative at house.gov if you’re unsure.
2. Write and call both their Washington, D.C., and local district offices to make sure your message is heard.
3. Forward this message to friends, family, and colleagues, asking them to join you in contacting their representatives over the weekend.
Suggested Script for Your Message:
I am a retired public servant, and I ask for your support.
We are counting on you to stand up for educators, police, firefighters, and all public servants by repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision, a flawed policy that reduces fully paid-for benefits for public service retirees. The Government Pension Offset further cuts or eliminates spousal or survivor benefits based on the pension earned. Nearly 70% of affected retirees lose all their paid-for Social Security benefits!
Both WEP and GPO are unjust and must be repealed. Please vote in favor of H.R. 82 to repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on updates, and let’s ensure our representatives know their constituents are watching this important vote. Together, we can take a stand for fairness in Social Security for public servants.
