You can find information on the Windfall Elimination Provision HERE
November 26, 2021
Dear Massachusetts Coalition of Police Member: The Massachusetts Coalition of P
olice Legislative team has been an active player in moves to either repeal or amend the Windfall Elimination Provision. This provision has a detrimental effect on your ability to collect Social Security earnings due to your status as a government employee who is eligible for a government pension.
We have received many questions about this issue from our membership over the years, many from members who had no idea that this provision even existed. Members who have worked for years before becoming a police officer, or those who have worked outside of their law enforcement employment and have collected their quarters for Social Security, are subject to a limitation of earnings from Social Security. The calculation is complicated and antiquated. Our argument has always been that if you worked in private employment long enough to qualify for Social Security, then you should be able to collect the same amount as all other eligible people.
There have been a number of bills filed in Congress on this issue over the years. Recently, one filed by Representative Richard Neal (D-MA) has gained some traction, almost making it through the goalposts last session. H.R. 2337 is not a full repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), it restores up to $150 a month for current retirees and would create a new formula calculation for future retirees.
Just last week, Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) filed a similar bill to Representative Neal’s bill with some minor differences, such as a $100 a month restoration and a little different calculation for future retirees. Having a similar bill filed by a Republican will likely create a bipartisan view of this issue and may be just what these bills need to finally get passed. Just like any bill in Congress, there will be further debate and wrangling as to the final language.
Your legislative team has been speaking with both Rep. Neal and Rep. Brady’s offices and has been working closely with NAPO Legislative Director Andy Edmiston to move these bills into law. As always, we request our membership be active participants in the legislative process. Contact your Congressperson and let them know that you are in support of Rep. Neal’s bill, and you would like their support of the bill as well.
Sincerely.
John E. Nelson, Vice President
Chairman of Legislative Affairs
