I am pleased to let you know that I have joined the effort to repeal two provisions of Social Security law that negatively impact so many of our public servants, including law enforcement officers and firefighters. 

During the Social Security overhauls in 1977 and 1983, two provisions were added to prevent public employees from receiving undue compensation.  Unfortunately,  the real impact of these provisions unjustly undercompensates people who choose public service.  The bill that I have joined in introducing would repeal both the government pension offset and the windfall elimination provisions.  Both of these provisions reduce Social Security benefits for public servants or their spouses despite the fact that they have paid into Social Security.

At a time when many people are making retirement decisions in the face of falling retirement funds, we should offer to public employees these important changes that will provide greater financial security in their retirement years.

These changes are also important to our police and fire departments as they seek to recruit and retain the best officers and firefighters.  This legislation will make it possible for them to offer more secure retirement futures for their staff members.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator