NEA Reacts To House's Passage Of Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act

Background

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), a bill that would make changes to Social Security benefits for certain individuals. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The act would:

• Eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which reduces Social Security benefits for certain individuals who receive a pension from a government job;
• Eliminate the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduces Social Security benefits for certain individuals who receive a pension from a government job and are married to someone who also receives a pension from a government job;
• Increase the Social Security earnings limit for people who are still working while receiving benefits;
• Provide a one-time payment of $2,400 to certain individuals who have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least 10 years.

NEA's Response

The National Education Association (NEA), the largest labor union in the United States, has expressed support for the Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act. In a statement, NEA President Becky Pringle said:

"The Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act is a critical step towards ensuring that all Americans have a secure retirement. The WEP and GPO have unfairly penalized educators and other public employees for decades, and this bill would finally eliminate these harmful provisions. We urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President's desk."

Arguments In Favor Of The Bill

Supporters of the Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act argue that the bill would:

• Correct an injustice for individuals who have been unfairly penalized by the WEP and GPO;
• Provide a more secure retirement for all Americans;
• Stimulate the economy by providing a one-time payment to millions of Americans.

Arguments Against The Bill

Opponents of the Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act argue that the bill would:

• Increase the federal deficit;
• Reduce the long-term solvency of Social Security;
• Benefit a relatively small number of people.

Data Points

According to the Social Security Administration, there are approximately 2.3 million people who are affected by the WEP and GPO. The average reduction in benefits for these individuals is $5,000 per year.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act would increase the federal deficit by $142 billion over the next 10 years. The CBO also estimates that the bill would reduce the long-term solvency of Social Security by 0.02 percent.

Perspectives From The Left And Right

The Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act has received support from both Democrats and Republicans. However, there are some differences in opinion on the bill.

Democrats generally support the bill because they believe that it would correct an injustice for individuals who have been unfairly penalized by the WEP and GPO. They also argue that the bill would provide a more secure retirement for all Americans and stimulate the economy.

Republicans are more divided on the bill. Some Republicans support the bill because they believe that it would reduce the federal deficit and increase the long-term solvency of Social Security. However, other Republicans oppose the bill because they believe that it would benefit a relatively small number of people.

Conclusion

The Bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act is a complex bill with both supporters and opponents. The bill would make changes to Social Security benefits for certain individuals, and it is important to consider all of the potential impacts of the bill before making a decision about whether or not to support it.