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Dear Friend,
It’s Joe Courtney – here with exciting news!
President Biden has officially signed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) into law. This is a historic achievement that comes thanks to the tireless advocacy of teachers, police, firefighters, postal workers, and other dedicated public servants.
The Social Security Fairness Act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). I have championed this reform since my first term in Congress.
Last year, I forced the House of Representatives to vote on the Social Security Fairness Act by signing a discharge petition with 217 of my colleagues. The House passed the bill on November 12th and the Senate followed suit on December 21st.
My office and I are closely tracking the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act. To receive the latest news on timing of the new law, sign up for email updates from the Social Security Administration. The Administration has also launched this dedicated webpage for H.R. 82. As we learn more, I will be sure to continue communicating with you.
In October, I met with Co-Chair of the National WEP-GPO Repeal Task Force and President of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans Bette Marafino, CT Alliance for Retired Americans Corresponding Secretary Don Gladding, and former Corresponding Secretary Mary Elia to provide an update on my work to pass the Social Security Fairness Act. At the bill’s signing ceremony this past Sunday, Bette provided the keynote address. Congratulations to Bette and the thousands of H.R. 82 advocates in Connecticut on this achievement!
By repealing the WEP and GPO, public servants who have contributed to Social Security will no longer be unfairly penalized. Millions of Americans who dedicated their lives to public service will now be able to collect benefits they paid for in other occupations.
This is a historic improvement for Social Security. Now, we must redouble our efforts to pass Social Security 2100, a bill introduced by my friend Rep. John Larson which would safeguard and enhance Social Security for all Americans.
Social Security is an earned benefit, not an entitlement. Congress has made a promise to working people that if they contribute to the Social Security program with each paycheck, Social Security will be there for them when they retire, and benefits will increase to match their the cost of living now and in the future. We must keep that promise by passing Social Security 2100.
For now, we can celebrate H.R. 82 becoming law, which shows that when we work together, Congress can respond to the needs of working people and pass meaningful reforms into law.
Thanks for taking some time to read my update. To stay in the loop on the latest news from eastern Connecticut and Congress, make sure that you are subscribe to my weekly eNewsletter.
If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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