The U.S. House has passed a significant bill that could increase Social Security benefits for thousands of Connecticut retirees who served in public roles like teaching, law enforcement, and firefighting. This move, celebrated by many, faces a tight schedule as the Senate considers the bill before the year ends.
The bipartisan legislation aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduce Social Security payments for certain retirees, along with their spouses or surviving family members who also receive pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. This includes roles in government and public services.
The House passed the bill with an overwhelming 327-75 vote, backed by four of Connecticut’s five Democratic representatives. Rep. John Larson, however, voted against the bill, citing concerns that it lacks an offset similar to his own Social Security reform proposal. The Senate now has just six weeks to act before the current session ends.
WEP lowers Social Security benefits for those with pensions from non-covered jobs, affecting individuals with fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings taxed under Social Security. As of 2024, the threshold for substantial earnings is $31,275. Over 22,000 people in Connecticut are impacted by WEP, most of whom are retired.
Educators in Connecticut, one of 15 states where WEP applies to teachers, often feel the brunt of these reductions. Many have worked secondary jobs where Social Security taxes were paid, only to see their benefits significantly reduced upon retirement.
Similarly, GPO reduces Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds for retirees with pensions from government jobs not covered by Social Security. For some, these reductions erase their Social Security benefits entirely.
Rep. Jahana Hayes emphasized the importance of repealing these provisions. “This bill will restore benefits to three million retired public servants whose Social Security was unfairly reduced or eliminated by WEP and GPO,” she stated.
The bill, called the “Social Security Fairness Act,” was introduced by Rep. Garret Graves and Rep. Abigail Spanberger. It bypassed standard legislative processes through a discharge petition, which required a majority of lawmakers to force a vote. After gathering enough signatures, the bill advanced, ultimately clearing the House by suspending procedural rules requiring a two-thirds majority.
While this bill has seen strong bipartisan support, challenges remain. Rep. Larson, a longstanding advocate for Social Security reform, continues to push for broader changes through his “Social Security 2100 Act.”
His proposal, backed by 188 Democrats, seeks not only to repeal WEP and GPO but also to increase benefits across the board by 2%. Larson’s plan includes funding these changes by raising the income cap on taxable earnings for Social Security.
Concerns over the financial implications of the Fairness Act persist. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repealing WEP and GPO would cost nearly $196 billion over the next decade. Some opponents suggest revising the formula for calculating benefits rather than full repeal.
On Tuesday, the House also considered the Republican-backed Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, which aimed to modify benefit calculations instead of repealing WEP and GPO. However, it failed to gain the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Connecticut’s entire congressional delegation voted against the Republican bill.
The future of Social Security reform remains uncertain. Current projections indicate that the Trust Fund for old-age and survivors’ insurance can pay full benefits through 2033. After that, beneficiaries could face a 20% reduction in payouts unless further actions are taken.
As the Senate deliberates, the push for fairer Social Security benefits continues, with advocates urging swift action to ensure that public workers receive what they’ve earned.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.