November 14, 2024 3:20 a.m.

On Wednesday, 4th District Congresswoman Val Hoyle voted in support of H.R. 28, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, which would expand Social Security’s benefits for over 2.7 million Americans.

A release from Hoyle said the legislation would help increase Social Security benefits by eliminating the Windfall Elimination Program and the Government Pension Offset. Hoyle said the WEP currently reduces the earned Social Security benefits of two million people who also receive a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. Additionally, the GPO reduces the spousal benefit for 745,000 Americans already receiving a public pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security; Hoyle said currently, the WEP and GPO disproportionately reduce benefits for many public servants and their spouses.

Hoyle said, “As I said on the floor of the House, public employees shouldn’t be punished because they choose a vocation that protects and serves our communities”. Hoyle said, “Their benefits also should not be reduced because of any post-career private sector work. Firefighters, teachers, police officers – and their spouses – deserve the same benefits that trust fund babies and day traders currently enjoy. It’s long past time we repeal the WEP and GPO”.

The release said the legislation is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, American Federation of Government Employees, American Postal Workers Union, American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and other labor organizations.