Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) calls on the Senate to pass the #SocialSecurityFairnessAct and restore earned Social Security benefits for teachers, firefighters and public servants of all stripes
“We have an opportunity to finally see this repeal through to conclusion," said Markey, speaking from the Senate floor on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Sen. Ed Markey makes a powerful case for the Social Security Fairness Act
Take action to 'repeal the steal'
- Contact Your Senators Immediately
Urge Senators Warren and Markey to call on Senate leadership bring WEP/GPO to a floor vote and to vote yes on repealing it. Remind them that educators and other public servants deserve their hard-earned Social Security benefits.
- Make a Phone Call to Senate Leadership
Call Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Office at 202-224-6542 to urge that the bill be brought to the floor for a vote before Congress adjourns.
- Advocate Daily
Once is not enough. The more emails and phone calls our senators receive, the stronger our message becomes, so send emails as often as you can.
- Share Your Story
Personal stories about how WEP/GPO has affected you or your colleagues are powerful and leave a lasting impression. Let your senators hear your real, authentic stories so they can share them. In addition, please share your story with our Government Relations staff. You can do this by emailing the Government Relations Division at governmentrelations@massteacher.org.
- Spread the Word
Share this email with your peers, friends, and family and encourage them to take action too. Also, post on your social media streams.
- Keep the Pressure on
Every email and phone call matters.
Momentum is on our side after the U.S. House passed H.R. 82 – a major step toward repealing the GPO /WEP laws that have unfairly penalized educators and public servants for decades. Now we must get the U.S. Senate to do their part. If we can make that happen, President Biden will sign it and we gain greater retirement dignity for thousands of current and future members.
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are fully in support, but the more members who let them know this should be a top priority will help them.
About GPO/WEP
Massachusetts public employees do not participate in Social Security, but some public employees may be eligible for benefits through other employment or their spouses. However, two federal laws, the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, can significantly reduce the personal or spousal/survivor Social Security benefits of certain retired Massachusetts educators simply because they also receive a public sector pension. These are deeply unjust laws that unfairly punish public employees who have paid into Social Security themselves or whose spouses have contributed to the system. It is essential to the economic security of current and future retirees that GPO and WEP are finally addressed, which is why the MTA is urging passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. This legislation would fully repeal both provisions and ensure that retired educators receive the benefits that are owed to them.
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