H.R.1795 Introduced In 113th Congress

May 1, 2013: Congressmen, from different states and political parties, have joined together to hopefully correct a longstanding problem that they share in common – and with us here – namely, Social Security’s oppressive Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

H.R.1795 Introduced In 113th Congress

May 1, 2013: Congressmen, from different states and political parties, have joined together to hopefully correct a longstanding problem that they share in common – and with us here – namely, Social Security’s oppressive Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

US Representatives Rodney Davis, an Illinois Republican, and Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, have introduced H.R.1795 that will repeal both the WEP and GPO. Like Massachusetts, both California and Illinois are among the states whose public retirees are most heavily hurt by the WEP and GPO.

“Thirty years ago, we first predicted that down the road, the Windfall and Offset laws would be severely damaging to members, and regrettably our premonitions have proven to be more and more accurate,” observes Association President Ralph White. “Since then we’ve pushed to repeal them.

“Our Association hasn’t given up, nor have others. And, H.R.1795 is the latest example of the perseverance and bipartisanship needed if we are ever to achieve any relief from the Windfall and Offset laws.

“We expect that the entire Mass. congressional delegation will be signing onto this bill.  With all the debate now in Washington over entitlement reform, this issue must be factored into the discussions and H.R.1795 will help to do that.”

One question, frequently asked by members, is whether WEP/GPO repeal would help them even if they began receiving benefits before a repeal was enacted. Based upon our reading of the bill as introduced, H.R.1795 would also help those, whose Social Security benefits are being reduced by the WEP and/or GPO before a repeal took effect. Their Social Security benefits would be increased going forward from the date that the repeal took effect. A copy of H.R.1795 has been attached, and on this question, readers are directed to Sec. 4 of the bill. Please remember that H.R.1795 is not a law at this time, but is pending further action in the House Ways and Means Committee.

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