Sample Resolution for State Legislatures

WHEREAS, the Social Security Act includes two provisions, the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, that reduce the Social Security benefits payable to persons who are entitled to benefits under other retirement systems under certain conditions; and

WHEREAS, these provisions penalize individuals who dedicate their lives to public service, including educators, police officers, and firefighters; and

WHEREAS, these provisions take away benefits that public employees or their spouses have earned by paying into the Social Security system; and

WHEREAS, these provisions often leave public employees facing poverty in their retirement; and

WHEREAS, every child should have the opportunity to learn from highly qualified teachers, but talented teachers may leave the profession because of the offset penalties; and

WHEREAS, at a time of national teacher shortage, these provisions discourage individuals from moving from private sector employment into teaching,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ___________________ requests the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision from the Social Security Act, and further requests President Barack Obama to sign that legislation.

Repeal Social Security Offsets Toolkit

Talking Points

Fact Sheet for Congressional Offices (PDF)