As law enforcement officers, we dedicate our lives to serving and protecting our communities. However, many of us are unfairly penalized when it comes to Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions can drastically reduce the Social Security benefits that many of our retired officers and their families rely on. The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) is a critical piece of legislation that aims to correct this injustice by repealing these harmful provisions.
What is H.R. 82? The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) seeks to eliminate the WEP and GPO. These provisions unfairly reduce the Social Security benefits of public servants, including law enforcement officers, who have paid into the system but also receive a government pension. The WEP can reduce an individual’s Social Security benefits by up to half, while the GPO can eliminate spousal and survivor benefits entirely. This legislation has garnered significant support, with 232 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, but it still needs a majority to move forward.
Why Now? Time is of the essence. Representatives Garret N. Graves (R-LA) and Abigail D. Spanberger (D-VA) have initiated a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 82. A discharge petition is a legislative tool that allows a bill to be brought directly to the floor of the House for a vote if it receives enough signatures from House members. This petition can be signed starting on September 10th, and we need at least 218 signatures to make it happen.
What Can You Do? We cannot afford to be passive. Every member of the FOP, along with your families and friends, needs to take action. Visit the FOP Action Center using this link to send a message to your congressional representative, urging them to sign the discharge petition and support H.R. 82. This is not just about us; it is about ensuring that every retired officer receives the benefits they have earned and deserve.
Why It Matters The Social Security Fairness Act is more than just a piece of legislation—it is a lifeline for many of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who have dedicated their careers to public service. By repealing the WEP and GPO, we can ensure that our retirees and their families are not unfairly penalized for their service. This is a fight for fairness, dignity, and the financial security of those who have given so much to protect others.
Take Action Today Now is the time to stand together. The future of this legislation depends on our collective voice. Encourage your fellow officers, friends, and family members to visit the FOP Action Center and reach out to their representatives. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the Social Security Fairness Act becomes law.
Support the cause, take action, and help us secure a fair deal for every law enforcement officer and their families.
