WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) voted to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act. The legislation ensures that firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other public servants – including nearly 7,000 West Virginians – receive their full Social Security benefits.

“By passing this legislation and repealing - two Social Security provisions that have impacted thousands of West Virginians, our police officers, firefighters, and other local and state public servants who may have worked a second job or re-entered the workforce after retirement to support their families are no longer being unfairly penalized. Nor are spouses, widows, and widowers who had their benefits severely reduced or entirely eliminated because they also collected a government pension. Repealing these provisions is the right thing to do and will help so many who have dedicated their lives in service to their communities,” Senator Capito said.

“Senator Capito has always been a loyal supporter of professional firefighters and today she is doubling down on that support by voting yes on H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness Act. Senator Capito realizes the positive impact this will have on working class retirees, not only now, but also in the future. Thank you, Senator Capito, for having the back of blue-collar working class West Virginians and the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia,” Jayson Nicewarner, Secretary/Treasurer of the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia, said.

“I’d like to thank Senator Capito for her support of HR 82, and from all West Virginia current employees and retirees who have worked but have been negatively impacted by our current Social Security. Even though we have worked and put in the same amount as others,” Retired Chief Deputy Steve Walker said. 

BACKGROUND:

This bill would restore full Social Security benefits for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public servants by repealing two provisions of current law – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) – that unfairly reduce the Social Security benefits that public employees receive.

The WEP, enacted in 1983, reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO, enacted in 1977, reduces Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. Currently, nearly 7,000 West Virginians are affected by WEP and GPO.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal both of these laws, ensuring law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers, and other public sector workers and their families receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned.

# # #