Jim Hood

What are people saying about this bill?

Kathleen Lees

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. These provisions significantly reduce retirement pay for millions of public servants, many of whom have worked for lower wages than workers in the private sector. The passage of this bill would allow teachers, fire fighters, and police officers to collect their spousal benefit. It is grossly unfair that these professions have been singled out by these undemocratic provisions.

Frank

Completely unfair. If you did not work. you would get full benefits. But because you worked for a state agency you get reduced benefits. The message is: don't work and don't contribute to society and get max benefits. Work and get reduced benefits.

maxine kaplan

vote for the repeal of the GPO WEP act.

John

The Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elination Provision would grossly penalize employees who worked in the private and government areas. Government employees who are retired on government disability pensions lose a good part of their Social Security benefits due to the necessary government disability income.

John Gardiner

H.R. 82 must pass.Many of us earned our quarters, and now are told we are penalized for working at a later time in the public domain. Why? Cost of living is terrible. We only want what is earned. It is only fair. We are watching and we will not forget.

Kathleen Hutchins

My recently retired husband had to take out an expensive life insurance policy because he knew if anything happened to him, because I am a teacher, I would loose SS benefits that he has paid into all his life. My own SS benefits will be nearly non-existent. We only ask for what we have worked hard for all these years.

LaJuan Williams

I'm retired from city work. I can't collect SS from either myself or my late husband. I have to work 32+ hours/wk to pay my medical, insurance, taxes and electricity. Repeal these unfair laws, please.

Barbara Smith

Please support the Social Security Fairness Act H. R 82.

I am an older teacher who returned to the classroom 10 years ago. I now get Social Security of about $800 per month. If I retire from teaching I will loose my SS and get only CA teacher's retirement of around $1000 per month I do not think it is fair to eliminate my SS.

I am penalized by returning to teaching. If my husband should die, I will no longer be eligible for his larger amount of SS. I know of several other teachers with the same problem.

Barbara A. Smith

Elaine Gutowitz

I am a 73 year old special ed teacher. I have 27 years that count towards my state teachers retirement. Without my spousal social security I can not afford to retire from teaching.

Gordon Hill

Repeal these outdate laws and rules. If people have the credit then they deserve the money for retirement purposes.

Sharon Faust-Dyke

In order to support my two daughters and put them both through college, I had to work every summer that I did not have to attend classes to renew my teaching certificate. I have taught for 38 years, but I am afraid to stop because of the increased cost of retiree health insurance through State Teachers'Retirement of Ohio. I paid into social security while working at retail establishments during winter breaks and working at camps and summer programs during summer breaks. If I didn't work thirty-eight years as a teacher, my social security benefits would be paid fairly. Because I worked as a teacher, my benefits will be cut by two thirds. Please try to see the fairness in this new bill. I only want to receive a fair shake.

Patti Jolin

H.R. 82 must pass. I paid into Social Security for 30 years. I became a teacher late in life, only to discover that the first day I taught; I gave up two-thirds of my social security benefits. My teacher's retirement is not enough to live on, but if I go back into the private sector; I will have to pay into social security again. I will still receive only one-third of what I normally would be entitled. I know of many other teachers in this position. We aren't asking for a free-ride; we paid into Social Security in good faith, expecting to draw from the fund during retirement. Teaching is a demanding, difficult job, and we shouldn't be penalized for educating our future.

Cindy

This Bill really needs to be passed. I am a retired Federal employee and I also worked in the private sector, paying into and earning enough quarters to collect social security. Now I am being penalized because I "worked" and tried to provide for myself in my old age. Because my rightfully earned social was literally stolen from me, I may have to work to supplement my small Government pension until the day I die and pay into Social Security that I will never be able to collect because that is the law.... Is this fair?

Jo Merritt

Those who worked and paid into the Social Security system are entitled to the benefits. It's just that simple.

Linda

If you have paid into SS for several years and then taken another job with the government, you should not be penilized for getting a government job by not being allowed to collect what you put into SS in your earlier years. The system needs to be changed and all of our hard earned money given to the aliens who don't do anything except claim our money.

Teresa

Government employees should get the benefits they contributed toward!

James L

If a person earned his quarters then he deserves his fair share of the Social Security entitlement. Repeal the GPO and WEP as unfair penalties

Helen Stewart

I can't understand why only fifteen
states are affected with GPO. I am
a retired teacher and I have been denied
my husband's benefits because of my
pension. My husband paid into Social Security for many years.
I am being penalized because I have had a professsion, but if I stayed home I
would get full benefits. I would
say this is discrimmation against
people who try to have a higher class of living. I think it is certainly unfair. I have contacted by congressmen to encourage them to cosponsor the H.R.Bill 82.

Larry Malir

I worked 23 years as an engineer in the private sector and paid into SS. After 20 years in the government and retired, I lost 40% of my SS benefit. My congressmen told me I get to large of a private retirement and I am not entitled to SS. Cut all SS benefits to everyone by 40%, they did my!
lmalirkc@everestkc.net

DPD Denver

The WEP is a joke, I have paid into SS for over thirty years and should be entitled to the full benefits. Instead because I paid into a pension system I can only collect 30% of this total. I bet those s*@#heads in washington never reduce their benefits.

Patricia

I worked for many years in the private sector, and paying into SS. I answered the call for math teachers in the early 90's, when I was 40. I have loved every minute of educating and challenging junior high students. One year after I started teaching I was informed that my SS was now slashed or basically gone because of my decision to make a difference. We will be facing a teacher shortage within the next decade as the baby boomers retire. Math and science teachers are now desperately needed. This is NOT an incentive -> leave the private sector and lose your retirement and your spouses.

James

(My letter to Reps. & Senators)

As a Vietnam veteran (Bien Hoa 67-68), and as an Army soldier on the line during the Tet Offensive, I
would appreciate your cosponsorship
of the Social Security Fairness Bill.
I am a retired school administrator from California (LAUSD - south central) now residing in the Pacific Northwest. I only want what is DUE to me from my 15 years of employment in the
private sector. It is really very
UNFAIR that my social security check is cut 2/3's every month !

GENE

LETS SEE I PAID IN SS FOR 20 YEARS AND I GET LESS THAN 50% A FRIEND OF MINE PAID 20 YEARS AND GETS 100% DO THE MATH I WAS ROBBED BY MY GOVERNMENT

Mike

Town, State & Federal governments collect taxes from us. But when it comes time for us to collect what's due us, ?????

Al

This has been unfair for more than two decades. It's about time our senators and representatives advocated for the interests of all the people and not just the corporations. And don't forget federal employees--congress continues to screw us at the drop of a hat!

A retired letter carrier.

Bill Pollett

I strongly urge the passage of H.R. 82. I paid into Social Security expecting a full return on my money. It seems unfair due to my career choice as a police officer for 32 years that my benefit be reduced.

Bill

This Act should be passed. I am one of those federal workers who worked 20+ years under CSRS but ended up working under and will retire under FERS. As such, social security benefits due me for working 10 years under FERS, and parts of some 10 other years in the private sector will be reduced. The fact that this law was passed to begin with is another classic case of those with millions, i.e. Reagan and others in his administration, taking yet again money from the pockets of the real workers who have far less to begin with.

Janet Shefchik

THIS LEGISLATION MUST PASS. Just as most of you, I paid in my 40 quarters. Because I have worked (for six years) for a public agency that has another plan in lieu of S.S., means that my benefit will be reduced to 40%. This is more than unfair, it seems somehow illegal and discriminatory. If I previously qualified for 100%, what business is it of S.S. what I do after I have paid into their system? If the legislation doesn't pass, perhaps we should find someone to represent us in a class action lawsuit!

Diane

This legislation needs to pass. After I went back to teaching, I found out that in a handful of states, teachers are unable to receive spousal benefits from Social Security. This is discriminatory since teachers in 35 states are able to collect spousal benefits whereas we can't. Just how many talented young people does the government think will enter the teaching profession under these conditions?

J David Stewart

This is an issue of inherent fairness and equity. Those who have earned at least 40 quarters of credit and paid into SS should collect ALL of the benefits they earned without any artificially imposed reduction. Each pension system stands on its own, as contributions and benefits are determined separately, reflect differing types of employers and varying work periods. The SS funding deficiency cannot/should not be addressed by penalizing those who have contributed and earned the benefits. Support HR 82 and S 206.

Karen Ford

I strongly agree that H.R. 82 must pass. I worked over 20 years paying into Social Security and 10 1/2 years for City Government that had a social security replacement retirement system. My husband is a federal retiree that also paid his quarters into Social Security. We are being penalized twice! It is unfair to hard working people trying to prepare for retirment who have contributed to the social security system and have earned the benefits. Again, please support HR 82.

ron

I will vote against any Senator or Congressman that fails to stop this theft from public service retiree with these stupid rules. I can't believe this ever passed to begin with.

Rick

With the exception of Texas teachers almost all Americans married to a person who has paid into Social Security are eligible to collect the spousal benefits earned by their spouse These benefits are paid to spouses who have private retirement plans The fact that they have a private plan in no way impacts that benefit for most Americans Spouses who never worked or paid into the system also receive the full benefits

Rick

TX Teachers because they have a state retirement and since most districts refuse to pay Social Security have their spousal benefit offset entirely

Ellen Gelb

There have been bills to repeal the WEP and GPO in committee since these discriminatory bills were passed. Why haven't they been brought to the floor of Congress for a vote?

Doris W.

I am a retired teacher who paid into Social Security for 25 years. My deceased husband paid the maximum into it for 40 years. Yet, because I worked for ten years in a state not covered by Social Security, the WEP/GPO provisions reduce my own benefits drastically. Also, I am unable to draw any spousal benefits from Social Security.

Please repeal these unfair laws!! It seems grossly unfair that we, as public servants, are penalized. Please co-sponsor and pass legislation (H.R.82 and S.206) to repeal the Social Security Government Pension Offset/Windfall Elimination Provision.

Roberta

I am going to be 62 at the end of this month and because of the windfall elimination in my social security, I will not be able to. I would like to see this bill get some attention and pass.

Roy Housewright

We, the retired teachers, only want what is fair ... what we paid into the system. I worked two and sometimes three jobs to make a living for my family because my wife was unable to work. I paid into the tearcher retirement system AND into the S.S., yet I only get about half of my S.S. and my wife gets only half of my half. In Texas we say, "That just ain't fair."

Gary Peatrowsky

I retired from federal service 10 years ago. I was forced to take an early retirement because the federal government eliminated my job. I have been working in the private sector since then and would like to retire in 3 years. The Governement Pension Offset MUST be repealed as I need my full Social Security benefits to survive. It is not fair that my Social Security benefits will be reduced. My federal pension is already reduced due to the forced early retirement. PLEASE REPEAL GPO.

Don Ushman

We have been told over the past several years that the Republican Majority Leader in the House would not let the Bills on this subject come to the House Floor.

Well, the tables have turned in the Congress and the Democrats who had heavily cosigned these Bills are in control.

If this Bill is not debated and passed during this calendar year you should vote to replace your congressmen in the House and Senate because they are not serving the Government Employees any better than the Rebublicans did.

Neal S

My wife taught in the public schools for 16 years beginning at age 40. She was fully vested in Social Security before she began teaching. She had no choice but to participate in the state public teachers' retirement system, which did not involve Social Security. She now draws a very small monthly check from that retirement system. And her reward for 16 years of public service??? The government will penalized her by paying only half of the Social Security benefits she earned prior to her teaching career..AND when I die (I paid full Social Security throughout my career), she will be denied spousal Social Security benefits. THIS IS CRIMINAL.. I AM ASHAMED OF MY GOVERNMENT FOR DOING THIS! Public servants should be rewarded by their government...not cheated. At the very least, they should receive what everyone else is entitled to. That's all this bill is asking. Yet I fear that the Congress will simply allow this bill to die and try to tell us "we tried".

Richard & Karen

We are very disgusted that AARP chooses not to support legislation in the form of H.R.82/S.206 that would eliminate the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision from Social Security. The involvement of AARP is vital to repealing these provisions that penalize educators and public sector employees.

AARP has an obligation to help make sure no educator or public sector employee loses benefits they or their spouses have earned.

Richard & Karen

If you agree that AARP has this obligation, write a letter to:
Alison Shelton
AARP NATIONAL POLICY COUNCIL
601 E. St., NW, Washington, DC 20049

Richard & Karen

The Social Security Fairness Act (S.206) has been referred to THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE. You can help support the effort to eliminate the WEP / GPO provisions of the Social Security Act by calling Senator Baucus (D-Montana), Finance Committee Chair @ 202/224-2651 and also contacting him through http://baucus.senate.gov/contact/offices.cfm
Another ranking member of the Finance Committee is Senator Grassley (R-Iowa). He can be reached @ 202/224-3744 as well as @ http://grassley.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Offices. Tell them that you support the Social Security Fairness Act (S.2 6) and that you want them to move it out of committee.
03/26/2007

Richard & Karen

Correct that! The House Version of course is H.R 82.

Make those contacts, though, and Write Letters To The Editors. That's how this inequity can get moved forward.
03/26/2007

Robert from Ohio

I worked and paid into Social security for 10 years before I became a postal worker for 31 years,I also made a deposit for my military service of 3 years to the postal service.In other words, I paid twice for the time I spent in the service including a year in Vietnam. I paid into two systems and only want what I've earned in both systems, NO MORE NO LESS. Please vote for HR 82 the Social Security Fairness Act.

Nate

Grossly unfair and undemocratic. I can't believe that workers in 11 states were singled out to begin with. This bill needs to pass.

Diane

I worked for 14 years in the private sector & have enough quarters under Social Security. Now I am on my 20th year for the Town of Andover. I want my FULL benefits from Social Security. I believe if you NEVER paid in then you should NOT collect from both but if you did pay in you should get it all. We need to send emails to at least 10 people & they need to send email s to another 10 & so on. If you can pass on all those prayer & angel & get money from AOL emails, WHY NOT PASS ON A LEGITIMATE ONE like repealing this bill? I intend to start one to 10 of my friends. How about YOU?

Martha

I worked for the federal government for 25 years and have paid enought into SS to have all my quarters but I will have to keep working because I don't get enough to live on from my pension. My SS will be reduced so it will barley be enough to pay my Medicare part B. This bill HR 82 needs to be passed. We deserve it.e

Clifford

I put 21 yrs into the Military AND SS, plus 20 yrs into Gov't work, only to find it was all to lose 2/3 of my DUE pay. I earned it, I paid it in BY law,knowing I would get a % back, and then I lost it.... the end

Michelle

It is heartbreaking to see so many retired people (and soon to be retired people - they would if they could!) facing economic crisis because they cannot have what they have earned. Congress is robbing the people who are the backbone of society - teachers, social servants and police officers. The Republicans let this go on as they put cash in the pockets of the rich. C'mon, Democrats, it's time to step up.

Mark

I am a recently retired (35 yr.)secondary teacher from CA who believes that ALL THOSE effected by this unfair legislation should step up and be counted. Write, email, rally others who may not know the truth about the inequities we face with SS.
Write to AARP and demand support of the Social Security Fairness Act!Do something today!

Marilyn

We retirees are but a small voice when it comes to reaping the rewards of all the years we have contributed to SS. Small pensions and high medical costs are continuing to rob us of our existence. Repeal GPO and give us our hard earned money.

John

I have earned Social Security, but because I also taught America's children, I am denied it. Should we really tell our school children that they will reap the benefits of their labors if they only work hard? True story- when I went to the social security office to talk, the rep said 'I am sorry. You would make more if you were here illegally.' I really needed that. Get this bill passed.

Jim

This bill is fair. We worked under both Social Security and Civil Service and should get the retirement benefits we earned. Others, including congress, benefit from working hard in two or more careers. We should too. It's only fair.

Joseph M. Abad

Every American citizen has the same opportunity to obtain a fed pension and also SS. Why discriminate against anyone who choose that particular path? SS should be consisted a totally separate pension. Repealing this amendment is totally legally justifable.

R & K

PLEASE, STOP POSTING COMPLAINTS, AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Use the information 13th postings previous to this and make those phone calls.

FYI: There is a companion bill in the House (HR.82). Contact your Congressmen about that, too.

But For Heavens Sake,
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
04/18/2007

BERTA A. FACDOL

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RETIREES AND WIDOWS NEED WHAT BELONGS TO US.

David

IF you paid nothing into the system you deserve nothing in return. I agree if you changed jobs from private to public sector you deserve some Social Security. For time spent with employers that participated. I will work 60 years of my life to in turn get little to no social secutiy payments while paying in for all those years. To make social security fair, you need to limit the payments out not to exceed the amounts paid in plus the average interest rate from your working years

Mil

There is no spouse for me... only my own SS and because I have also served in the school system in Texas, I cannot retire due to the way the SS act reads now...it really needs to be repealed, but it seems that our representatives are too busy discussing war matters than matters at home...sad.

Sam Empty Suit

Every Congressman/women and every Senator I've talked with agree that this law needs to be changed. The real problem is paying for it. They say it would cost about 72 Billion over the next 10 years to fix it. Well, stop the Iraq and we would have enough money to pay for it in a very short time. Come on, we paid into it, we should have the right to collect it.

DAB

I worked part time for the Post Office for many years while raising a family. Two children with birth defects. After 25 years of marriage I went through a divorce. I then grabbed at as many hours I could get to live on. I am now retired without any chance of receiving SS but a small civil service check. You see the govenment pays for how many hours you worked and not the years. My ex husband paid in for me for 25 years. I am entitled to this income. Now my ex is living high receiving his SS and pension and I have to watch every penny I spend to be able to live.
Not fair.

Discarded wife

I was a military wife who supported my husband's career and did not work while he was in the military as we moved 15 times in 15 years. After he retired, we both went to work for the Federal Government. Later he fell in love with a younger subordinate and asked for a divorce. I was married to him for 33 years and helped him pay the $40,000 to merge his military time with his civilian time. However, now we are both retired and he and his girlfriend are living high on their joint incomes including the social security he is drawing. I believe those years I supported his military career while he paid into social security should entitle me to collect social security spousal benefits. If I had known my marriage was at risk, I would have prepared better financially for supporting myself in my senior years. She benefits financially from all my sacrifices. Please help me and all the other women like me who deserve to draw full spousal social security benefits without any offsets.

Lois

As the wife a retired Air Force Officer (who, by the way, was forced into the Social Security System many years ago and paid the maximum since day one), my spouse Social Security benefit was zeroed out by my Civil Service retired pay. When I began my Civil Service career in 1974, this was not the case. GPO/WEP was not passed until about eleven years later - too late for me to begin another career and to preclude losing my spouse benefit. This is not the first and only time our crack legislators pulled the rug from under prudent financial planning.

Larry S.

Like many others, I worked for ten years in the private sector and paid in to SS. After later working nearly 30 years for the federal government, I was allowed only about half of my earned SS benefits because of my federal pension. Fairness demands that a person get the full measure of their earned SS benefits rather than an arbitrary reduction because they worked in public service.

Mike Davis

Many who complained that they were reduced by 50 and 60 percent after working under SS for more that 25-30 years, are wrong. The offset amount begins decreasing above 20 yrs and no offset after 30 yrs in SS. However, it's still stealing by the Govt. You paid in and should have the benifits. Private pensions do not affect SS benifits. Why should a govt. pension. Stealing, pure and simple.

Dee

GPO/WPO is unfair--vote to repeal HR 82 now

Martha Blackwell

Finally, with a democratic congress, there's a chance that the GPO and the WEP will be repealed. I encourage everyone who is affected by these grossly unfair laws to contact their Senators to be a co-sponsor of Diane Feinstein's S 206.
There are 297 co-sponsors of HR82, so it will pass in the house quickly.

FRANK A.

I worked for private industry and paid SS for 16 years until my job converted to civil service in 1972. I worked for the federal government until I retired. My monthly SS benefits were reduced by 40% because I receive a government pension. GPO and WEP discriminate against seniors’ who chose a career with the government. This amounts to stealing in the name of fairness.

Jim Elles

With the recent Republicans touting the name Ronald Reagan, they should have known this unfair bill was passed under his watch. Many of us held 2 jobs, one in the Federal sector and the other in the private sector. We paid the Social Security taxes, but Reagan's bill penalizes us. He should have made it fairer and imposed this penalty on everyone with a pension plan, IRA, Annuity, etc. Repeal this unfair measure

Jacque Parke

Five yars ago I was layed off in a corporate buy-out when they shut the doors of a company I had worked at for 20 years. I lost my 401K when I had to pay off the second on my house. I entered teaching, sold my house, and reached 55. I won't be able to retire until 70, and if my spouse dies, I won't retire at all. I've paid into SS since 16 and won't see a dime! That's just cruel!

James (Nam Vet/Sch.Adm.

Those people who have stressed
contacting key house reps and
Senators are absolutely "right on!"
I have gone well beyond my H.R.rep.
and Senator. I have written EVERY key Republican Senator in the 6 key
states in the 08 election. Cal ( 55
electoral votes),Ill (21),Texas (34),Ohio (20),Mass (12),Georgia(15) equals 157 electoral votes !
In the 14 affected states there
are ONE MILLION voters ! These
people have friends and neighbors!
Write a letter to each Republican
Senator who is up for re-election
in 2008 and stress the above facts.
It's "hardball time!" Pressure /irritate the hell out of em. We deserve what is honestly
DUE to us ! CHARGE !!!

James III

The "One Million" people stated
in my previous posting are those
"directly effected" by the WPO !
Can any political leader ignore
one million voters ? I have walked
the talk and have written ALL Republican Senators up for re -election in 2008 asking them either
to "co sponsor " S. 206 or vote
"yes" for it when it comes to the
floor for a vote. Moderate Republicans are already " running
scared" about losing due to the
Iraq War mess. Now it the time to
go on OFFENSE !

Bonnie Jean Soto

I am a 63-year-old teacher who is invested in Social Security, but, unfortunately, I am only permitted to live on my meager teacher's pension. I cannot even receive social security payments from my X-spouse. I have worked in both the private sector and public sector. It is brutally unfair to treat us this way. We only want what we derserve and have rightfully earned, and that is what others, who have not dedicated their lives to serving the public as a government employee, generously receive. I have just one question to all of you and that is: Where would you all be without us? ...Uneducated...burned up in fires...robbed, murdered, or raped in the streets, or completely unable to run your government offices? It is payback time for those who have served you with pride and dignity. Please pass H.R. 82.

Joan

What really does not make any sense about the way Soc. Sec.works today is that after seventy years old you can work as much as you want in a public employee's job and get your full Soc. Sec. but the day you retire you lose it. I guess we should all work until we drop over.

Rog F

Hey, you make an investment, then maybe one or two more, you get the proceeds. But if you're a victim of WEP your social security investment, your own money mind you, gets slashed to bits! That's what we used to call theft.

Barbara

Pass the Windfall Elimination Provision & Gov't Pension Offset so individuals can collect their spousal benefits that are rightfully theirs. I have lost my spouse, and because I worked at a state university for 34/yrs. I can't collect his S.S. This is discrimmation, why should we be penalized, it's not fair!! Do something now.

Jenny

This Bill is fair. Just because I worked under both Social Security and Civil Service, I should not be penalized and have my benefits reduced from Social Security. It just does not make sense. This Bill needs to pass.

James III

May 18, 2007
I suspect the House and Senate
to move on WEP legislation in June
or July. Restoring our "full entitlements" means that the Soc.
Sec. dept. will have to re-compute
our monies before the end of the
fiscal year (October). Put the
pressure on key Republican Senators! Google - NEA Legislative Action Center and write
an email to a Republican Senator
ASAP. The email format is already
there for you !!
H.R. # 82 has 303 bipartisan
"co sponsors". The Senater version
# 206 has 30 bipartisan sponsors.
The battle for passage will be in
the Senate...so put the PRESSURE
on ! Charge !

Mary

I retired from teaching after 28 years and worked part time and paid in S.S. 30 years (12 of these years were from a school system in another state). Someone needs to tell me what is fair about reducing my S.S. when I paid in for 30 years. Is this the way public servants are rewarded?

Richard & Karen

If you're just complaining and not paying attention to what James III and ourselves are doing you are absolutely wasting your time. Put your energy to good use and MAKE THOSE CONTACTS!

John C

I was a police officer for 27 years. During that time, due to low pay, I worked many off duty jobs. Social Security taxes were deducted from those wages. Now I can only get a small percentage of the benefits I earned. What do our legislators have against public service?

Peg

Under the windfall elimination provision, I've lost $30,000.00 in the 12 years i've been retired. this is an outrage!! that would have many times paid off the social security that wasn't taken out and left me with several thousands top help me in my old age.

Opposed to HR 82

Point 1) Social Security, as it now stands, will become insolvent.
Point 2) To Pass this bill as it stands would worsen SS's insolvency problems and is unfair to workers and their spouses who have always paid into Social Security.
Point 3) Those whose benefits are being reduced are having them reduced because they didn't pay into Social Security for some period of time while they were employed. So they are trying have their cake (not pay into social security for some period of employment) and eat it too (collecting full SS benefits) while reducing the size of the cake for the rest of us.
Point 4) Social Security is a "pay-as-you-go" system. That is, those making current payments are paying for those collecting current benefits. The concept that you "earn" benefits while paying into the system is illusory.

Richard & Karen

We're following the lead of James III [12 postings back] by writing to ALL the Republican Senators up for re-election in 2008. A list can be found at: TAKE ACTION NOW!

R&K [aka: Richard & Karen]

We support the Social Security Fairness Act (S.206/H.R.82

What possessed Congress to pass these laws in the first place? Ironically, they were seen as the solution to a problem – a situation in which well-to-do individuals who had earned high incomes while paying no Social Security taxes would nonetheless qualify for substantial Social Security benefits based on a very limited history of employment in another job where they did pay Social Security taxes. Unfortunately, Congress misfired hitting a lot of innocent people while aiming at a few individuals who tried to game the system.

[to be continued]

R&K

[We support, continued]

The results have been disastrous. The fact is that this punitive and inequitable WEP targets hundreds of thousands of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who have to work in jobs outside their public service, to help make ends meet. My wife who is affected by the GPO loses her entire spousal benefit, even though I, her husband, paid Social Security taxes for nearly 50 years. Yet, if she precedes me in death, I receive half of her TRS. Is that fair?

This is a fair piece of legislation and repeal is affordable - an estimated $4 billion per year.

~Richard~
05/30/07

R&K

For some reason the hyper-link for Senate contests in 2008 didn't print. Copy & Google the following phrase and you'll see the list: United States Senate elections, 2008
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James III

" The test of our progress is not
whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much;
it is whether we provide enough for
those who have too little."

FDR October 5, 1937

Cindy Phillipps

I worked in the Civilian Sector (paying into Social Security) as well as for the Government. I am now retired from the Government, but cannot possibly survive solely on my Government pension. If I go back to work, I will be double taxed because I will still have to pay Social Security even though I will not be able to collect a dime because of the GPO and WEP. Please help pass this bill so that we can rightfully collect what we earned.

R & K

PLEASE, STOP POSTING COMPLAINTS, AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

The Social Security Fairness Act (S.206) has been referred to THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE. You can help support the effort to eliminate the WEP/GPO provisions of the Social Security Act by calling the office of Senator Baucus (D-Montana), Finance Committee Chair @ 202/224-2651 and also contacting him through http://baucus.senate.gov/contact/offices.cfm
Another ranking member of the Finance Committee to contact is is Senator Grassley (R-Iowa). He can be reached @ 202/224-3744 as well as @ http://grassley.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Offices. Tell them that you support the Social Security Fairness Act (S.206) and that you want them to move it out of committee. For Heavens Sake,TAKE ACTION TODAY!
06/01/2007

James III

Just do as R & K have been telling
you ! "Action speaks louder than
words!" Refer to one of my
earliest postings (James-Nam Vet/
Sch. Adm) and check on the pivotal
states impacted by WEP/GPO. There
are 157 "ELECTORAL VOTES". With a
total of 203 electoral votes in
all impacted (14-15) states. Remember the election of 2000 ? "Cry in your beer" after you email or phone someone one in the Finance Committee! If YOU don't take action....and we lose
feel free to be guilt ridden...

Linda

In today's society, my husband and I both have to work in order to support our family. We have two chidren and I am a teacher. If God Forbid my husband were to drop dead tomorrow, we would lose everything due to the fact that because I am a teacher, I am not entitled to my husband's social security. This is just another slap in the face to teachers. The message to teachers continues to be one of disrespect and that somehow we are beneath the general population. How do I explain this to my children and my students. Is this what democracy is all about, or is this what hypocracy is all about?

James III

To the nay sayers who say we can't
afford to fix WEP / GPO - catch
this statistic. According to
immigrationCounter.com -
$ 397,450,739,563,00 BILLION DOLLARS has been spend for Social
Security services to illegal aliens
since 1996 ! To "fix" OUR situation
might cost 85 - 90 billion over
ten years. Aren't WE USA CITIZENS ?
Do the math ! Include this info. in
your letter to the Finance Committee / Senator or Representative...

Ronald Birtch

Fair is what you get what you are entitled to.....not what you get when you paid nothing into the program....go figure? Never have figured why this WEP/GPO went into law??

Lisa

I am considering a second career in teaching after paying into social security for 20 years. Until this bill passes, I cannot justify pursuing a teaching career. Also, as a stay-at-home mom for the last 3 years, I am incensed that my children may not be entitled to survivor benefits if something should happen to me.

CJ

I didn't start Federal Service until I was 31. And because of a break in that Federal Service, I'm a CSRS "Offset" employee(pay CSRS AND SS), when I turn 62, my CSRS will be reduced - whether I apply for SS or not!! Not fair!! Thanks for the info on who to start contacting!

Sam

L.A. County will apply a social security offset to my pension based on my current salary. I paid into Social Security many years ago when my earnings were minimal. If WEP is not repealed, L.A. County will have reduced my pension by more than I would get from SS.

William J.Cleary Jr.

Please pass S 206/HR 82 to remove the unfair social security offset that does not allow people who have paid into the system,to collect what should be legally theirs to receive in retirement.

Fair-for-u

By all means pass this bill after its amended that anyone who collects additional benefits under its provisions pay back taxes plus interest on the income they received from their public service jobs.

Sharon

I worked and paid into SS for 26 years, was put out of a job due to our plant closure. I took a job as secretary at a college, not knowing about this loss of SS benefits! Wish I had known, I would NEVER have taken a government job!!!!!!!!!!!

Guy Tucker

HR 82 needs to pass so that those who spent many years working under social security and many years working for the government and retired after 1983 can receive their full social security benefits as do those that retired before this ridiculous item was attached to Social Security law.

Katt

Our elected officials do well to protect their own retirement benefits w/and elite system and deny others their full benefits. Government no longer truly represents the citizens but instead rules them.

Gail Loring

If this bill does not pass, if my husband pre deceases me I will go from a comfortable (not lavish) lifestyle, into poverty.
I will be ineligible to collect my own benefits (I worked more than the required quarters and paid into social security), and ineligible for any survivor benefits. I will have an approximate income of $2200./mo. which would be about $3000 short of what I need to eat
pay utilities and upkeep the car.

Pam C

This bill MUST pass in order to repeal previous legislation that keeps public officials from receiving deserved social security benefits. If I had been a stay-at-home housewife rather than a hard-working teacher and mom, I could receive my portion of my husband's social security (married 42 years). But because I wanted to teach, I'm supposed to LOSE what housewives otherwise get? That would be grossly unfair.
Let's pass this new law to repeal the WEP/GPO.

Chris S.

There is a hugh outcry in the state of Ohio for professionals to share their wealth of knowledge with our students in the classroom, to take on teaching as a secondary career in life, why would they do such a thing when the result would be a reduction of 2/3 in their retirement benefits? As a teacher who began teaching later in life, I am looking at a loss of my social security benefits, my husbands social security benefits and a lower pension from teaching as it will be extremely difficult for me to achieve much more than 15 to 20 years in my teaching career. What is fair about any of that?

elizann

Passage of HR 82 might go a long way toward restoring a modicum of lost trust in our legislators. It's called doing the right thing.

DAVIS

THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FUND THIS THEN WHY DID THEY PAY ME MY FULL
BENEFIT AS LONG AS I WORKED AND WHEN I RETIRED THEY REDUCED THE
BENEFIT IN HALF PLEASE EXPLAIN WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM BEFORE I
RETIRED .

Tony M

The Government Ppension Offset & Windfall Elination Provision penalize people who served their government.This is a disgrace to our country.I notice congress & the presdient is exempt along with federal judges.

James III

If possible-tune into C-SPAN !
Senator Bill Nelson (D)-FLA.
has been pushing legislation S. 935. He has been working on this
for "seven years! 39 con sponsors.
" Repeals certain provisions which
require "the offset" of amounts
paid for the surviving spouses of
former military personnel who are
"entitled" to military retired pay
or would be entitled to such pay
for being under 60 years of age."
Sound familiar ? If passed this
could lead the way for elimination
of Social Security "offsets!"
Phone or email you Rep. or Senator
ASAP ! Keep the pressure on !!

James III

Correction:

" or would be entitled to such
pay "EXCEPT" for being under
60 years of age."

RCEdlund@GForceCable.com

The Latest News:
House Ways and Means Chairman Announces Intent to Hold Hearing on Social Security Offsets!
Go to: http://www.nea.org/lac/socsec/latestnews.html Is your Congressman and Senator on the list of co-sponsors?
~ R & K ~

Lucy

For anyone interested in doing so, you can endorse the Repeal of Social Security Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision by accessing http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?ssoffset.

Pat D.

RE The Windfall Elimination & Government Pension Offset Provisions: How is it that these provisions apply to gov. employees in only 15 states & why were only this specific category of wage earners selected as targets for these provisions? Why were the same category of employees in the 36 remaining states exempted from these provisions? Is this capricious & discriminatory?

Laura Watson

My mother, who is now 78, worked hard for her entire adult life. She raised 3 children as a single mother, without any public assistance what so ever. She worked as a secretary for the department of agriculture for many years and then returned to school to earn a degree so that she could teach. Because she only taught for 20 years, she is receiving only a meager amount from teacher's retirement. My father who left early in my life, never paid child support and when he recently passed away, we were notified of his death by the department of social security. To make a long frustrating story shorter, the department of social security claims that she is only eligible for 16 dollars a month! This is an extremely unfair way to treat a hard working, American. She pulled herself up by her bootstraps only to have her boots taken away. Her future as an independently living person is now doubtful. Shame on the WEP and GPO! Please, please support the Social Security Fairness Act.

KIM

I paid all of my quarters into Social Secuity and went to work for a school district as a second career. I retired at 68 years and I get 26.00 from Social Security as a result of the windfall law. I also lost my rights for my husband's benefitseven though we are married for 52 years.

Lyle West

I taught school as well as worked in the private sector. Retired from teaching at age 72 and I'm entiled to full Social Security. Can't get full Social Security because I get state teachers retirement. Not fair!! I worked hard at both jobs to make a living for my family.

Ted

We are talking about working class people that had to worked two jobs to raise their family. They may have worked in the private sector before or after retirement. Which ever the way it was they paid in to the Social Security System like everone else. The benefit of it is something they earned, it was not free. These people are being punished by something called Government Pension Offset (GPO) or Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can you imagine titles like that. How unfair.

Kris Reeves

As coming into education later in life...I think that all citizens affected by this act should make a concerted effort to vote against any candidate who does not support the elimination of this act. This is the only way that Americans can have a voice. Would love to see this on a candidate's platform...he would have my vote...no matter what party affiliation.

James III

Just about $ 500 billions dollars
spent on the Iraq war (lie!) over
a 4 1/2 year period. But will
HR 82 and S.206 ever reach the
respective floors for a vote ?
Perhaps cowardly Representatives
and Senators will let these bills
die in committee ? HHHhhhmm $ 62-
64 billion over 10 years to correct the injustice of GPO/WEP !
That's just 6 mos. of the war fare
bill ? And - don't call me unAmerican for stating this honest
facts...cuz I served my time in Vietnam ( 67-68 + "Tet Offensve").
The problem with the Senate and the
House is just "too many gutless
non servers"( no military exp. or
Peace Corps !!) THEY can pull money "out of the air" for the WAR
but cannot due justice for their
constituents !!!

Erv

There are 322 Cosponsors of HR82.They cosponsor the bill because they know that the bill will never get out of Commitee.
You need to write your Congressman to sign a discharge petition to force HR82 on to the Floor for a vote. 218 signatures are needed for the Discharge Petition to pass.

R & K

Congress adjourns, for August Recess, at the end of this week [08/03/2007] and will not return to work in Washington, DC until after Labor Day.
SO, WHERE DO WE STAND?
H.R. 82, which would fully repeal both the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, have garnered record numbers of cosponsors. Charlie Rangel, Ch. of the House Ways and Means Committee, has announced plans to hold a hearing on the bill. The Ways and Means hearing have not yet been scheduled. Your
Representative may tell you they co-sponsor, but have you asked what are they doing to get the bill out of the Committee?
Congress won't do a thing untill they hear from their constituents. You can make a difference by telling your friends, family and colleagues across the country about this unfairness. Writing, e-mailing, faxing or calling your
members of Congress is the only way THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT OF 2007 will get the attention it deserves. TAKE ACTION, NOW!

Fred F

Congratulations, you are getting what you voted for; a non-guaranteed retirement account. You were duped into believing that government is better capable of providing for your retirement then you were. Imagine what you could have done with the 15% of your income if you would have been able to invest it yourself, even in a simple savings account. You wouldn't be here complaining now.

James III

As usual - when a piece of legislation " for deserving citizens" is getting close to possible passage...the "fiscal
neo-cons" come out of the closet
to be snide. I have many friends
who have decent retirements due
to solid investments and a 401 K.
But "NOT ONE " is interested in giving up their FULL Social Security check which was justly earned over the years. That's what
"WE" want - out FULL Social Security check without a 40-60%
offset / reduction. I bet the
complaining "NEO-CONS" are lard
asses who never served their
country in the military or otherwise. They are called "chicken
hawks" for good reason !

Bien Hoa - Sully 67-68 "Tet Offense "
US Army

Erin

This bill is sorely needed. Teachers and other government workers who also paid into the social security system should get their benefits upon retirement.

Gary from Long Beach

Fred is yet another pathetically ignorant man who doesn't understand the issue. Many of us do exactly that: have personal retirement accounts. The issue is being denied a portion of retirement that is rightfully due, not whether or not we have additional funding sources for retirement.

James from Long Island

I wasn't even aware that these pieces of legislation even existed until just recently bit I think it's totally unfair that federal retirees AND their spouses would be required to give up some of the benefits that they worked their entire lives for, especially to take away a portion of their Social Security benefits, something that a non-federal employee has paid into. This is not right.

Jim

I, too, am being penalized by the Windfall aand Offset Laws. What I want to know is why only California and 13 other states were targeted by these unfair and hurtful acts.

James III

As I recall California and the
other thirteen states elected
not to continue - having their
public employees ( teachers, firemen, police,etc) contribute
to Social Security. They opted to
build individual state retirement
programs " defined benefit" but
forgetting that many public employees had participated in Social Security well before becoming public employees. I, like
SO MANY others, was not aware of
the "offsets" until I sat down
with a Social Security official
to determine my payment from Soc.
Sec. And - all of us NEVER received
advanced notice of a reduced payment. This has been rectified
by recent legislation. But " A day
late and a dollar short !"

Cathy S.

My husband is a retired Postal worker (Civil Service) and I am a Postal worker (FERS). If I pass on before my husband he is penalized and can not receive any SS that I have put into the system. This is extremely unfair to "public servents" of this country. I would like to know what has been done with all of this extra money that the government gets to keep. My husband will not be able to eat, pay the bills and live a comfortable life if I die any time soon. He will go from living a comfortable (not lavish) life to poverty. This bill must be passed and must be passed soon.

gene

REMEMBER UNDER WHAT ADMISTRATION THIS MONEY WAS STOLEN FROM US TO PAY FOR STAR WARS AND HE DID IT WITH A SMILE HE GAVE 8 MILLION ILLEGALS THE RIGHT TO DRAW SS WHILE TAKING THE BREAD OFF MY TABLE AND GIVING IT TO CROOKS

Francis Selewski

I am a retired federal employee who spent over ten years in private industry before I worked for the government. This past year, I finally past the $300.00 mark in my monthly SS Income. My wife, who stayed at home and raised our 5 children is still not receiving $200. Of course she is being penalized because I am a federal retiree and receive a small portion of what I should be getting. Her amount is more than half of mine so she must earn her monthly SS paynment on her own merits. Living in Michigan, an auto town, there are many women and a few men who receive SS based upon their spouses income. Many have never worked or contributed to SS but reap the benefits. I feel that this is unfair To my wife and I. I am proud of my thirty years I spent in Federal service. I never knew it would be a disadvantage to me in this time when every penny counts. The government has made benefits available to immigrants who never contributed, so why should we be penalized. Please vote to amend the law.

Robert Hutcherson

Earned should mean something. Apparently congress doesn't think so, thus the Off-Set and Wep for Social Security. As a veteran(2-7-57 thru 1-24-64) USAF, some of my veteran friends receive full earned benefits while others who retired after Sept 1987 have their Social Security earned benefits Off-Set. Why some and not others?

R&K [aka: Richard & Karen]

URGENT! Go to . Make your voice heard today! SIGN NEA's ELECTRONIC PETITION!!

R & K

Sorry. The web site for the petition is: http://www.nea.org/lac/socsec/latestnews.html

margaret Hart

I was informed by the SS office, my ss would not be offset, My gov. retirement papers state GOP/NA. And I lost all of my widows checks any way. I would not have retired at 72 had I had correct information. Had I continued working I would still have my widows SS check. Doesn't make sence to me. I need to get reinstated in my job without any penalty. Praying for the passage of HR82.

Bill

The government tells everyone how rewarding teaching is, encourages people to do it as a second career after many years in the public sector where these individuals pay into S.S. But the govt. doesn't tell them that, "by the way, your're going to loss 1/2 of your S.S. for becoming a govt. employee. Worse, at least in Calif. govt employees who are NOT teachers to NOT suffer this loss, people who pay pension benefits into what is called CalPERS while the state teachers paying into CalSTRS DO take this financial loss. The govt can't even be even-handed about its discrimination.

Helen Stripling

As a retired Federal teacher of 38 years, I am being penalized from receiving any social security benefits from my husband after a marriage of 42 years and then a divorce. Please pass this Bill for fair treatment of working people.

R & K

Folks, if you have'nt gone to: [http://www.nea.org/lac/socsec/latestnews.html] and made your voices heard by signing the petition, you need to do that TODAY!

~ TAKE ACTION, NOW ~

Another apparent neo-con

As I read the SS provisions, GPO deals with benefits due to a spouse, while WEP deals with personal earnings. WEP says if you are earning a pension (whether SS or govt) you can't "double-dip." Therefore, if your SS is reduced due to a public pension, it will not be reduced more than half of your pension. You still get more than the pension and more than SS.
(cont. in next post)

same neo-con

(previous post cont.)
GPO, on the other hand, says you are entitled to your own SS benefits or your spouse's benefits (if you don't work), but not both. If both of you paid SS, you'll both get benefits. When your spouse dies, you do not receive ALL of the spouse's benefits because you have your own. If you never worked you get all the spouse's benefits. With GPO, it's referring to public pension instead of SS. If you're already receiving a pension from your own job, your spouse will get his/her SS. If your spouse dies, the SS will be drastically reduced for you because you have your own income. I understand some cases may be incredibly unfair, but overall, it sounds like it sucks but makes sense. Anyone other than Jim III, please help me see what I am missing. (Jim III has lost all credibility with me in his personal attack of someone providing an alternative viewpoint.) Thanks.

Dan

When this was passed Congress exempted themselves (typical) for ones that can vote pay raises for themselves, is it any wonder Congress has low approval ratings... my mother at 76-yrs old is having to try to find work in order to make ends meet, these are the type jobs that not even illegal aliens want...

Ollie Wallock

Here's one for you.For the past thirteen years I have owned a part time business hand producing electronic devices.Because of my teaching position,there was no ss taxes taken out of my part time earnings as I was still paying into the state retirement fund.I have always been eligible for ss benefits but not being a greedy guy, the issue didn't bother me much(even though I had contributed to both systems). My first tax bill after retiring contained a $1500 social security tax. It seems that after paying all my ss taxes in a previous life,I will continue to pay ss taxes in my retired life. In both cases this is money that will never be available to me.As said I am not greedy,but the thought of forcing a retiree into paying for non existent benefits is onerous.

James III

Friday, September 7th, 2007 was
a good day for Americans and those
striving to obtain a college education. Congress passed the College Cost Reduction & Access Act
at a cost of 20.9 billion. College
costs have soared 40% the past
5 years. This is the largest overhaul in more than 60 years !
President Bush said he would sign it ! Keep the faith...and keep the pressure on ! Congress is in "the
mood" to DO the right thing for it's hard working citizens !!!! The Social Security Fairness Act is
projected - if passed - to cost
67 billion over 10 years. Or, only
6 months of the Iraq War bill...

R. Ferguson

What's the status on H.R 82/H.R. 147 and theSenate Version S. 206?
If so many are in support of these bills, why aren't they moving forward?

Lynda

I have just retired with over 30 years of service to the Feds. Additionally, I have contributed over 15 years (well over 40 quarters) into SS from full time and part time civilan jobs. I will lose over 60% of my SS annuity because of this Windfall Elimination and the Government Offset Provision. To say I am upset is to say the least. These provisions must be eliminated and the only way that will happen is if S.206 (and H.R.82) is enacted.
We all know how unfair the GPO and the WEP is, and we all know that providing SS benefits to illegals is a total travesty to all of the dedicated and loyal civil servants who contributed to what they thought was going to be their retirement funds.....THIS BILL MUST GET THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES; WRITE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN, WRITE TO YOUR SENATOR. WRITE TO YOUR NEWSPAPERS AND TELL THEM ABOUT THIS TRAVESTY. We contributed to Social Security to provide for OUR benefits....not for illegals.

Charlene

I worked 36 years for a local government agency and am currently working for a state univerity paying both pension and Social Security. My husband worked 29 years with Social Security Benefits. Upon his death because of my government job I am not able to receive his SS benefits> When I retire, I will have my government pension offset> I am paying for full Social Security deductions and believe that when I apply for my pension, I should not have it reduced because I have SS. This is unfair. People in the private section can have a pension without reduction and also claim SS. REPEAL THIS PROVISION.

Joan Smith

I've worked most of my life and paid all quarters of SS I'm working as a school nurse I'm paying into teachers pay and I'm collecting the full amunt of my SS, but if I retire I understand some of my SS wikk be taken, this is not fair.

Russ Elsner

Don't forget it was a Clinton that did this to us. Remember in 08.

James III

A little addition information
- please as to exactly what "Clinton did to us"?
The GPO / WEP came into being
during the Reagan admin. So it has
been around for at least 25 yrs.
Every Congress since then has
denied US our just due !!
More info...Russ - -

R & K

Dear Neo-con. Not meant disparagingly – I’ve no other way to address you. What possessed Congress to pass these laws in the first place? Ironically, they were seen as the solution to a problem – a situation in which well-to-do individuals who had earned high incomes while paying no Social Security taxes would nonetheless qualify for substantial Social Security benefits based on a very limited history of employment in another job where they did pay Social Security taxes. Unfortunately, Congress misfired hitting a lot of innocent people while aiming at a few individuals who tried to game the system.

The results have been disastrous. The fact is that this punitive and inequitable provision targets hundreds of thousands of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who must work a second job to make ends meet. The offset of survivors’ benefits does special injury to low-income and middle income people. [cont. in next post]

R & K [cont]

[cont. from prev. post] Those folks who worked as clerical employees, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, librarians, and teachers, are pushed to live near, or even below, the poverty level.

There is unprecedented support from Members of Congress though some continue to express concerns about the “cost” of more than $70 billion over ten-years to fully repeal the GPO and WEP. The war in Irag cost that much every six month.

This legislation would end the unfairness, and you should take a stand by urging your members of Congress to move the Social Security Fairness Act of 2007 forward.

I do hope some of this helps.
9/25/2007

R & K [addendum]

As James III stated, House Speaker Tip O'Neill fostered the GPO during the Reagan administration. Then, Dan Rostenkowski added the WEP before he went to prison for stealing from the American People. He now receives a pension of $126,000. Imagine someone in Corporate America convicted of stealing from their company. How much do you think that person's pension would be?

James III

Summary:

There ain't no money for Social
Security Fairness Act. It's all
going to da WAR ! Our "boy-General
President" is getting his way:
09/26/07 $ 42.3 Billion in "emergency" funding! 2008 war
bill will be near $ 190 billion.
Total WAR cost at $800 billion
at years end (o7 or 08). Congress
is pulling "money out of the sky"
House: 328 cosponsors. Senate 34
co sponsorts. As of this date no
"hearing" on WEP /GPO as requested by Rep. Rangel in letter 06/27/07.
Dems. promised to "pay as you go
on legislation" (except for da WAR)
so where is our $ 60 - 70 billion
for our "just due" gonna come
from. Shameful situation !

Vietnam Vet 67-68 Bien Hoa

Brian Balkcom

Few issues are as grossly unfair, maddening and nonsensical, and counterproductive to our society as the WEP/GPO provisions of Title II of the SS Act! One issue does come to mind, however. That would be for the U.S. Congress and Senate to fail to repeal these provisions! Both houses have bills currently pending to do this. There appears to be strong support in both houses for passage. There appears to be little, if any, public opposition, and it makes monumentous sense to do it. Consequently, knowing that Congress does not pay into SS itself and continues to enjoy the best retirement plan on earth for its elected members, and knowing that Congress is extremely adept at spending (and often wasting) other people’s money, it will no doubt fail to pass the bill and echo the pitiful, self-serving cry, “We tried.” Make sure you write (or email) your Congressman and register your support for this pending legislation.

Monica Latsko

Realizing that Social Security is heading for trouble,my suggestion to help appeal to the governement to CHANGE the amount that is deducted from our SS under the Windfall/Offset. I will be penaltalized by the offset and at the 2/3 (66%)of my state retirement earnings. I suggest to show good faith that our law makers begin with a change in that amount. Reduce the amount deducted and give us a feeling that the changing of this unfair act is as important to members of the House as it is to us.
Thank you

Erv

Retired people do not have a Union.The closests we have for a Union is AARP, and the State Retired Teacher Associatons. AARP refuses to push the GOP-WEP and my Union the American Federation of Teachers is not interested either. If these organizations really got behind HR82 maybe it would pass out of committee so it could be voted on by the House and Senate.

James III

Sorry Monica but I ain't gonna
grovel before Congress for a
reduced Gpo/WEP "deduction".
It's unfair - plain and simple.
Hey "kids" just remember if you
serve just one six year term in
the Senate you get a $ 126,000
pension ? Correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm done. I'll just wait to see
if any action is taken in October.
Our only hope in 2008 or 2009 is
having the Dems in the majority
in both houses. Dems, at least
have "a heart" and social conscience.

Bob

These laws are a joke, but they're a bipartisan joke. The Dems actually controlled the house when both laws were passed. I guess the social conscience thing must be new? Both parties only care about getting reelected. If there is enough pressure on them it could happen.

The GPO was a provision in the 1977 Social Security Amendments signed into law by President Jimmy Carter, at a time when the Democrats controlled both the House and Senate.
From-
http://www.massretirees.com/pension-offset-windfall-explained.html

The WEP was enacted as part of the 1983 Social Security Refinancing Act, designed to shore up the financing of the Social Security Trust Fund. That Act was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, after being adopted by the Democratic-controlled House

R & K [response to Erv]

It is unconscionable that AARP takes no stand on these issues.
The outrageous turn-around they took on the Prescription Drug Legislation coupled with their lack of support for the repeal of the GPO/WEP finds me in agreement with those who say AARP is just an insurance broker.

Our membership cards have been returned. They have become more useless than rain that falls into the sea at night.

James III

Libertarian and satrist writer
PJ O'Rourke wrote a book way back
in 1991. The title was "Parliament
of Whores". It was a biting
indictment of the ineptitude of
Congress to get anything "worthwhile" accomplished.
It's October 2007 and "the more
things change....the more they
remain the same".

Bill C

I'm a Fed Retiree. I also worked two full time jobs for 17 yrs and am still working. Paid in SS for just under 30 but when finished will be over 30. Guess What? Can draw a dime of SS. High level people (I'm Lucky) in SSA told me not way this Bill will pass. They all know it will cost too much.

Does anyone know by any chance that there may be some chance of this passing in the next few years?

B.Kaye

Plenty of time for wars about oil, but no thought by this gutless Congress for US citizens getting a raw deal. The way they carry on you might think this was WW2. That was a real threat to our shores. But these relatively minor conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are hardly that. I grant that terrorism is nasty and evil, but we're big enough to deal with it and still take care of our own people at home who deserve what they worked for.

Harriett Handspike

I worked for the Federal Government for 28 years and retired. I went back to work for a non-profit organization over 10 years ago. Because of the windfall elimination clause my Social Security benfits are cut by 3/4's. WHERE IS THE FAIRNESS IN THIS?

Dan Isakson

I layed my life on the line as a Detroit Firefighter and also worked a second job Paying into Social security for many years. Now they tell me I can't collect Social Security because I was a Public Servant. The Crooked Politicians punish the hard workers in this country while they continue to rake it in by giving them selves all the raises.

Vijendra Chaudhary

H.R.82 must pass. The law as it stands now is grossly unfair.

Martha B

As a 79 year-old teacher and still teaching part time because of these penalties, I check the Thomas Legislation web site every day. I am encouraged as I see names being added, but the site that needs to see some improvement is on the Senate side. Both of my senators (California) are co-sponsors and my representative are all listed.
As of 10/29/2007, there are 331 co-sponsors of HR82 and 34 of S 206. I encourage everyone affected by these penalties to check to see if your Senator/Representative is a co-sponsor. These bills have got to pass for sheer survival for some of us!

Tom K

Does anyone know what the deadline is for these bills (HR82 and S206)to either get out of committee and be voted on, or be declared dead for this session of Congress? How much lower can the approval rating of Congress go?

Jim

They could be voted on any time between now and the end of the second session (approx. August or September) in 2008.

Kelly

I worked in the private sector for 20 years. I now work in a tax office for my town. I have been here 3 years. I see how people who have worked for the town for many years and now thier pension check only covers the cost of their insurance. It is discusting. It is wrong. I am thinking about going back to the private sector. Why give my talant to a system that wants to mess with my retirement?

R & K October 31, 2007

GPO/WEP Hearing Scheduled for November 6!!

The Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, chaired by Senator Kerry (D-MA), has announced that they will hold a hearing on the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision on Tuesday, November 6. MTA/NEA Retired member, Peggy Kane – a high school English teacher for 35 years who retired four years ago from the Medford Public School system in Massachusetts – will testify at the hearing.

Announcement of the hearing is a huge victory for NEA members and other activists who have been pushing hard for movement on legislation to repeal the GPO and WEP.
[continued in next post]

R&K [continued]

The Subcommittee will accept written submissions for the record. Your statement must be typewritten and single-spaced, not exceeding 10 pages in length. The first page must clearly state your full name and address as well as the title and date of the hearing (“GPO and WEP: Policies Affecting Pensions from Work Not Covered by Social Security” November 6, 2007).

Statements must be MAILED (not faxed) to:
Senate Committee on Finance
Attn. Editorial and Document Section
Rm. SD-203
Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510-6200b

R&K [finale]

Statements must be received no later than two weeks after the hearing. In submitting a story for the record, please:

Follow exactly all the submission standards as outlined above.
Be clear and concise in your message.
Tell your story using polite language and urge Congress to repeal the GPO and
WEP.
Be sure to correct all spelling or grammatical errors prior to submitting.

Stay Up-To-Date! The latest GPO/WEP news is posted on NEA’s Legislative Action Center at http://www.nea.org/lac/socsec/index.html.

James III

A huge thank you to Richard &
Karen (R&K) for all their hard work
in keeping us "ALL" informed
of what is / was going on
in Congress concerning GPO/WEP.
Please follow their advice and
directions !!!

Joan

Thanks R&K
If all reading this do not follow their posting and send in their story don't complain.
Also contact your Reps and Senators for their support again.
This is a great chance to get this injustice corrected. We need to have the WEP and GPO reprealed.

James III

Just a reminder ! If you have
cable turn in - - to CSPAN
or CSPAN II (Nov 6th) to see if this subcommittee hearing is being
televised. After viewing - do
your personal and civic duty !

Bill Gates

This is a very interesting bill. I am for it. Good Bye.

Laura Munday

I pay the same rate in social security as everyone else, but only draw 40%. It is true the government(soc sec) can make changes to their pensions, no matter what they promised ,but the private sector cannot, without a breach of contract. Why's that? We need to pass the repeal HR82 and S206, to make it right.

Mary Jenison

I am a retired teacher. My social security (based on several other well-paying jobs) should be over $800 a month.

I receive $504, due to the "Windfall" provision. My teacher's pension is only $1,100 a month. Anyone can add this up and see that it is criminal to deduct over $300 a month from my social security check.

I urge members of the House and Senate to please eliminate this provision. Any of my representatives who votes against this legislation will lose my vote forever.

Joankelsy

What happened to equal justice under the law? Does it not apply to lawmakers? They can jigger up the strangest concoctions in Washington. Then they stumble around when the public wants it fixed. Mind boggling!
Please go to www.driveucrazy.com for several links in "We the forgotten in 15 States".

Daloss

we really need to get the public aware of the importance of getting this bill passed. as i read it, there seems to be a lot of discriminating with our monies that we have put into a system for our retiring years. please froward this to anyone and everyone.i wonder what would happen if we voted to cut their benefits? we work and pay for their livelihood. i worked in the private sector for 35 years, both as an employee and employer, and now i work in government and will lose 50% just cause somebody else didn't. Or is in this country illegally and get it for nothing.
we need to pass this hr82, social security fairness act now.

Natalie Golovin

I sent my statement in on 11/05. It does not appear here. I followed all the directions regarding submittal. How do I find out what happened to my letter?

Anthony

The question is: what were they doing with all these savings from those of us receiving only 60% of our social security because we receive a public employee pension???

Patricia Cook

This bill would correct the present injustice towards teachers and other public sector workers. I became a teacher at the age of 42. When I retire, I am going to get hit with a double penalty. I will lose most of the social security I paid into during my first thirteen years of employment in the computer industry. And I will also lose most of my husband's social security. Since he has worked exclusively in the private sector all his life, and has a minimal pension, I am going to get hit all around.

Shirley Thompson

It is a shame when you and your husband work hard all your life and raise your children to be good citizens and when your husband dies and you retire after working in education your retirement is so low that you income is below the provery line. Is that what our great country has become.

Mary

Since I began working, it's been my understanding Social Security benefits would be one day paid to me in full. Please do the lawful thing and pay the people who are truly eligible for the benefits. Now to forget, these people dedicated their lives to teaching your children and/or making higher education possible for all (including many lawmakers).

Jean

Since I started teaching 30 years ago I have often worked a second job which forced me to pay into social security. I still cannot understand why my teacher's pension should in anyway affect my social security that I have paid into. It is only fair that if you pay for something you receive the benefits. Please vote for this bill!

Janice

Since I have been a part-time temporary teacher for 15+ years, I have HAD to work a second job to pay my bills.I have just become aware of this gross injustice and am in shock. I am sure to become homeless if I loose the social security I have paid into, and my husband's benefits as well. Please vote for this bill.

ElizAnn

I had no idea that my EARNED Social Security pension would be reduced the moment I began teaching. There was no forthcoming disclaimer or warning or caution. We EARNED our fair share and should not be penalized in any way whatsoever. HR 82 must pass.

Laura

How can the U.S. Government NOT allow us our earned S.S. benefit? As an employee I am REQUIRED to pay S.S. and yet as a former teacher in Maine I am not ELIGIBLE for the benefit. Sounds a little like "taxation without representation" ....and we all know what that led to . Our Senators need to make the right decision now. The situation as it stands is totally unfair and ...I question how it can even be legal? Thank you Senator Collins and Senator Feinstein for your action on our behalf. Finally, someone understands and is DOING SOMETHING about it. Now change MUST happen.

Peggy M

So, what was the outcome of the Sub-committee hearing on November 6th? Is this going to be voted on this year? What's your feeling of the outcome and when is the next step to take place?

Joe

With tens of billions of dollars going to Israel and Arab nationsin the Middle East that never paid a penny in taxes, how can Congress have the audacity to turn around and pass legislaion that essential paids for this give giveaway with our stole Social Securit dollars? Congressional leaders have not shame!

James III

Ans: Peggy M. I watch the Nov6th
hearing chaired by Senator Kerry.
It ran just one hour on C-Span
and the fact that there was "only
ONE Senator" in the meetingt(Kerry)
show how little "power" the issues
of GPO/WEP with the Senate. At the
close of the meeting most particpants agreed that "combining
credits from a public pension with
those Soc. Sec. credits" seemed
a plausible solution. All agreed
that more meetings were necessary
to hammer out specifics. However,
with the cost of the Iraq and
Afghan "wars" supposedly topping
3 "TRILLION" one has to wonder
how WE are going to pay for this
war without a substantial tax
increase on income, gas, or
whatever. The needed 70- 80 billion
to pay affected GPO/WEP citizens
is going to come "from WHERE!"
Blame Prez. Bush our "boy-general
President" for diverting our money
to an unjust war in Iraq.

Vietnam Vet 67 - 68

R&K

James III; So, you think it's a dead issue do you?

(BTW: Lost your e-mail address.)

James III

R & K

It's possibly a dead issue if
people don't press the issue
during the up coming Prez. election.
I estimated there must be 400,00 to
600,000 - GPO -WEP affected citizens in the 14-15 states that
could influence the outcome of the
election if they backed the
candidate who "states he/she"
will fix this mess. Ya gotta
"rattle their chains" to get their
attention. I was very disappointed
that there was not a panel of
3-5 Senators in the Nov 6th meeting

Steve

I worked 30 years as a professional fire fighter.Put my life on the line for the public and this is the thanks I get.I wasn't told about this untill I was ready to put in for S.S.

Marge Appling

I have writtena before and I am writing again. Please pass this bill and soon so I will be alive to benefit from it and get back some of what my deceased husband and I have put into it.

Norman Cutsail

After 6 years in the Navy, and 29 years on the Baltimore city police dept, I can only say that I feel as if I have been abandoned by our government, much like the Vietnam vets. We work our butts off to serve our country, only to be shut out, and not get the money we worked for. I should have been an ILLEGAL alien, then I could get all the social security I want, even though I never worked for it. Election day is coming!!! We do not forget!!!

Bill C to R & K

I glad to see people watched the hearings but am severly disappointed that there wasn't stronger dialogue that the bill would pass. I see R & K are saying that it needs to be pressed and we need to shake their chains with the 400K to 600K people who could turn an election.

How do we do this? I will participate

James III

It's time for action ! You've read
all the horror stories about good-
solid American citizens getting
screwed out of their "fully earned"
Social Security monthly benefit due
to GPO / WEP. Nothing will change
until "WE" change the make up of the Senate. We do not have enough
Democratic seats to reach the
"super majority" of 60 votes to
pass important legislation. The
Republicans defeated S-Chip Health
Care for improvished kids by insisting on a 60 super majority
vote . They have no soul !
Go to MoveOn.org and click on " end the Bush era 2008". Pledge
some money to get a Democratic
majority in the Senate in January
2009 - to insure passage of legislation to repeal GPO /WEP !
I have pledged $25.00 a month thru
October 2008 ! This money will flow
to Nov 08 Democratic Senate candidates !!

Vietnam Vet 67 -68

JOEISME

And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

The WEP was passed for the greater good of the country. My Social Security is decreased as a result of my years in government service where I did not contribut to SS but to a pension plan. I accept it as my patriotic duty. Of course, if it gets eliminated I will be happy to accept the extra money.

Mark

I'm with James III's comment:"It's possibly a dead issue if people don't press the issue during the up coming Prez. election." Keep the pressure ON...ask what is happening on a weekly basis, don't run out of steam, or get discouragesd... be resolute! 100's of thousands of peope in 14 states affected adversely by WEP / GPO CAN be a FORCE! Don't roll over, keep the press on! Ya gotta "rattle their chains" to get their attention....Keep it up James III.

M C

My mom can not collect my dad's social security benefits because she worked at a small college and received a small state pension. She is having a difficult time with meeting her financial needs. She had planned on having my dad's benefits. This is a very unfair law.

R & K [01/08/2008]

The House Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Social Security will hold a hearing on the GPO/WEP and other Social Security issues on Wednesday, January 16, at 10 a.m., at the Longworth House Office Building, room 1100.

MORE AS I GET IT!

Sharon

I worked for the private sector for 20 years and paid into social secutity. Because I took a job in our public library I am being penilized by taking away my Social Secutity. What about all the people who collect pensions from employers other than the gov't. They can collect both pensions with no penalty. How unfair!!! If I can't collect my social security then how about giving me back all I paid into it and I will invest it myself!

Barbara G. Rhode Island

I was a teacher in a public school system for 29 years. Unfortunately the school system I worked in did not particiate in paying into Social Security. My husband passed away at 59 after paying into s.s. for over 40 years. I could not collect a cent of his social security because I receive a pension from a school department (city) that did not not pay into s.s. He paid in over $60,000 and all I could get was a one time death benefit of $250. I am punished because I was a loyal teacher. I feel like I have been robbed.

Jacquelyn Murphy

This bill must pass! I am a 72 year old woman who is still working as a library aide at our local school because I cannot afford to quit and lose my S.S. benefits I get from my husband. If I retire, and my husband dies first I would have to change my entire way of life and probably have to be on welfare. My sister-in-law who never worked a day in her life now draws her deceased husbands S.S. plus part or his postal retirement. Now does this seem fair? I took a job that would allow me to be home when my children were home to supplement our income to make things easier and better for our family. Now because I did that I will be penalized. This is totally unfair! This bill must pass for the sake of all who are in the same position!

Marvin Eaves

Sir's I'am a retired firefighter and paid SSI from 1963 to 1984 and 2004 to presnt,and they will take 60% of my SSI as a penility. The dept made the change not me and it was a closeshop. I hope and pray it passes. Thank YOU

R & K [01/19/2008]

Folks, you might serve yourself a lot better by going to > and providing a submission for the record.

R&K, again

Don't know why the link gets striped out http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=detail&hearing=603&comm...

.