WASHINGTON, DC (WALB) – A bipartisan bill backed by Senator Jon Ossoff increased retirement benefits for teachers and first responders in Georgia.
According to a press release, the Social Security Fairness Act was passed Friday evening. The bill will increase Social Security benefits for public employees such as teachers, firefighters and police officers.
The bill passed the House of Representatives last month and is now on the President's desk for his signature.
The bill also repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduce or eliminate regular Social Security benefits for employees and their eligible dependents if the employee receives or is eligible for an earnings-related pension has employment that is not covered by Social Security, the notice said.
“Educators, firefighters and police officers are already making great sacrifices for our state and are not in it for the money – it makes no sense to unjustifiably reduce their Social Security benefits,” said Senator Ossoff. “That's why I worked to successfully pass the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill that would repeal these unfair policies that could harm teachers, firefighters and law enforcement officers and ensure these officers receive the Social Security benefits they deserve through their work.” work.”
According to the press release, the Social Security Fairness Act has received broad support from educator unions, first responders, law enforcement organizations and more.
Earlier this year, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Ossoff that would reauthorize grants for law enforcement family support services and establish suicide prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers.
Last year, Senator Ossoff, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), introduced the bipartisan HELPER Act to help first responders, teachers and police officers purchase their first homes.
Click here to read the Social Security Fairness Act.
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