Do you support the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset of Social Security? Public employees who worked under Social Security AND a government pension program (state) are not able to receive the amount of Social Security they EARNED, and many are therefore living in poverty.
Asked by: Constance Harse from Athens, OH
Asked of All Democratic Representatives on Apr 4th, 2008
Answer from: U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH)
Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH): I do support the repeal. Number one I think the offsets are unfair since a retired worker with a private pension is not subject to the same offsets. Why should for example a state teacher be penalized because they have paid in to Social Security under a previous job. I believe we should repeal this government pension offset.
Jodi Breisler: And is there anything even being talked about in Congress right now?
Wilson: It is being talked about. As a matter of fact the Chairman of Ways and Means, Charlie Rangel of New York, basically offered up H.R. 82 that would repeal these provisions. I’m proud to say as a person who represents Southeastern Ohio that I’m a co-sponsor on this bill and I will stand tall for the people because I think they’re being unfairly penalized the way it is.
Breisler: Now basically we’re just talking about people who are not getting the money they even put in to Social Security, is that the fact?
Wilson: Yes it is and you know upon their retirement they should be entitled to both benefits. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be, especially since they paid in to Social Security.
Answered on Jun 17th, 2008
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Posted by bryan on May 9th, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Constance, thank you for asking this thoughtful question. Can you please post a comment that elaborates more on this complicated issue, so that our reporters can be better prepared when they take it to Congress?
Thanks.