CALL TO ACTION - WEP/GPO Both H.R. 82 and S. 597 are part of the Social Security Fairness Act to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
The authors of H.R. 82 and S. 597 continue to work behind-the-scenes to ensure the bills advance. H. R. 82 has a hearing in House Ways and Means on Tuesday, April 16th. We encourage you to reach out as a local constituent to with our message of repeal.
Click here to write now! Your immediate response is vital on this issue.
MRTA is working for you.
Staff visited with our Missouri congressional delegation in October to convey the urgency and significance of addressing these issues, emphasizing the far-reaching impact on MRTA retirees who have served our children diligently in public service roles. We highlighted and provided real-life examples of the impact on WEP/GPO to illustrate the pressing need for reform to ensure that individuals who have devoted their careers to public education are treated fairly and equitably in their retirement years. This visit illustrates the dedication and determination of MRTA and the collective voice of our organization in the pursuit of a more just and secure future for all affected by these provisions.
In an effort to address a pressing issue affecting countless teacher retirees, MRTA is issuing an urgent call to action to its members and supporters who have been negatively impacted by WEP/GPO. This call to action seeks to address a longstanding issue that affects the financial security of retired teachers, public servants, and first responders. The GPO and WEP have been a source of frustration for our PSRS members, and we are urging all our members to voice their concerns about the fairness and equity of these two provisions.
What is WEP/GPO?
The Government Pension Offset, enacted in 1977, has long been detrimental to those affected by its provisions. The GPO reduces or eliminates Social Security benefits for individuals who receive government pensions and are also entitled to Social Security survivor or spousal benefits. It applies when a public sector worker opts to claim the benefits earned by their private sector spouse and then applies to receive those monthly payments. GPO provisions result in significant financial hardship, affecting widows, widowers, and retired public employees who have earned their government pensions.
The Windfall Elimination Provision, introduced in 1983, has long been criticized for its impact on those who dedicated their careers to public service. The WEP reduces the Social Security benefits of individuals who receive both a public pension and Social Security. WEP provision outcomes include unjust and significant reductions in retirement benefits, causing financial hardship for countless Americans.
Why does it matter?
Repealing the WEP and GPO is not only a matter of fairness and equity but also an essential step in honoring the dedication and service of our nation's educators, firefighters, police officers, and other public employees. Many of these individuals have spent their careers serving our communities, often at the expense of their own retirement security.
The examples that staff provided of real-life MRTA members gave legislators a peek at people in their district who are negatively impacted by these provisions.
We also met with the House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith’s staff. We had a lengthy discussion on this important issue concerning MRTA members who are negatively impacted by WEP and GPO. They were well-versed in Social Security matters and plan to reach out to MRTA in the future for further discussions.
Contact Your U.S. Legislators
Email them directly from their government websites regarding support for H.R. 82 (House bill) and S. 597 (Senate bill). Use the links below to locate their official sites.
After the over 90% reduction of my social security benefits, because I am a retired educator, I receive after Part B costs, $3.00 a month from SSA Yes, that is $3.00 only per month. I never get an increase because federal cost of living is eaten up by the increase in the cost of Medicare yearly.
Because, my wife is also a federal retired employee, she can draw anything on my account.
thank you, Mark North
I am a single woman at 63 years old, drawing only my pension. If the WEP/GPO were passed it would help me greatly, I could draw social security off my husband. I am living on about 2600 dollars a month which is pitiful for a teacher. If I could draw the Social
Security it would help me greatly.
Thank you,
Donya Wuinlan
Print Page
Email to a Friend