Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced last week legislation — the “Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2021″ — that would permanently replace the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) for those affected with a new formula for calculating Social Security benefits.
Currently, the WEP reduces or eliminates Social Security benefits for those who are covered by a government (federal, state or local)-sponsored guaranteed pension plan, such as federal employees who are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
“Our teachers, police and firefighters shouldn’t have their Social Security checks docked each month simply due to an outdated, unfair formula from the 1980’s,” Brady said. “I’m proud to join with colleagues on both sides of the aisle from nine different states to repeal the WEP and make it fairer for public servants who have worked and paid into Social Security.”
“Many of our public servants have worked extra jobs or an extra career, paying into a Social Security system that treats them differently, said Brady. “We want equal treatment, and believe it’s time for Congress to act. Every month the WEP continues, it costs retirees and their dependents in smaller Social Security benefits.”
NARFE Supports Legislation
The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) applauded the introduction of the bill.
“Since its inception, NARFE has opposed the WEP as unfairly punishing hardworking public servants through reduced Social Security benefits,” NARFE National President Ken Thomas said. “Amid growing support in Congress for its repeal or reform, NARFE urges lawmakers to coalesce around a workable solution to this four-decade drain on those who dedicated their careers to serving the public good. The latest attempt to repair the damage caused by WEP came last week when Brady introduced his bill, which would provide rebates for those affected now by WEP and create a fairer formula moving forward.”
To read the full text of the bill, go here.