1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to vote YES on H.R. 82 once brought to the floor. Since the House passed H.R. 82 with an overwhelming, 327-75, bipartisan majority, and more than 60 senators indicating support via cosponsorships, now is the time to pass this bill. The Social Security Fairness Act is critical legislation with strong bipartisan support, addressing the long-standing issues posed by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Both provisions reduce earned Social Security benefits for millions of public servants, including many federal retirees like ourselves, who rely on these benefits in retirement. The WEP can reduce the monthly Social Security benefit by as much as $587 compared with the normal benefit formula. The GPO reduces − and in many cases eliminates any− Social Security spousal or survivor benefits for affected public servants. These are public servants like teachers, police officers, firefighters, federal workers, and others whose work is not covered by Social Security − people who have dedicated their careers to our country and our communities. In light of the momentum for the bill, strong bipartisan support in both chambers, and its impact on over 2 million former public servants, I urge you to vote YES on H.R. 82, and finally repeal these unjust provisions.