SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Congress has passed a bill that would allow public employees who receive pensions to collect Social Security benefits.
of Social Security Fairness Act After passing both houses of Congress, it awaits President Biden's signature. If signed by the president, this bill would be repealed. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) provisions.
“I think this issue is really important because retirees today don't have enough Social Security benefits,” said Matt Michelson, education policy director for the Missouri Teachers Association. “So if you're working in a non-teaching job, you're missing out on the social security benefits you would normally receive.”
Currently, social security benefits for teachers are reduced by two-thirds of their government pension under the Government Pension Offset Act.
“That is, if they are late in their education and have been in a job that is covered by Social Security for years,” Michelson said. “This can have a big impact on them.”
If signed into law, the bill would allow workers and their surviving spouses to collect their earned Social Security benefits, potentially putting thousands of dollars back in the hands of retired public servants.
“With the repeal of the GPO, they will be able to benefit from Social Security like any other individual,” Michelson said.
If passed, the law could also help with teacher retention and recruitment efforts, union leaders said.
“Teachers sometimes come in late, and we don't have the traditional role of being in education for 30 years and then retiring,” Michelson said. “So being able to say, 'No, you're not affected by these harmful Social Security provisions,' allows us to go out and say, 'Have you ever considered becoming a teacher?' Don't like your current career path? It might be right for you. ” ”
The bill would also benefit other public employees, including firefighters, police officers, postal workers and others.
Below are statements from the Missouri State Teachers Association, the National Police Association, and the National Association of Letter Carriers.
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