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Sample Letter to Congress on GPO/WEP

Dear Representative (or Senator)___________________:

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) unfairly cut the retirement benefits of public employees who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their country. I urge Congress to enact legislation to address these discriminatory penalties for public service.

[Insert your personal story about the impact of the GPO and/or WEP on you, your colleagues, your friends, etc.]

Nine out of 10 public employees affected by the GPO lose their entire spousal benefit, even though their deceased spouse paid Social Security taxes for many years. The WEP causes low-paid public employees who work both inside and outside the Social Security system to lose up to 60 percent of their Social Security benefits. The loss of these benefits may make some people eligible for poverty-based assistance, such as food stamps.

Congress should take immediate action to reverse the discriminatory impacts of the GPO and WEP. I urge you to support passage of bipartisan legislation (H.R. 82) sponsored by Representatives Berman (D-CA) and McKeon (R-CA).

Thank you for your consideration of my views on this important issue.

Sincerely,