The resolution urges the United States Congress and the President to enact the "Social Security Fairness Act," which seeks to repeal the government pension offset (GPO) and the windfall elimination provision (WEP) of the Social Security Act. These provisions disproportionately affect public employees, particularly law enforcement officers, firefighters, and certain local government workers in New Jersey, by reducing or eliminating their Social Security benefits and those of their spouses. The resolution highlights that many retirees rely heavily on Social Security for their income, with a significant percentage depending on it for the majority of their financial support.
The GPO and WEP have been criticized for unfairly penalizing public servants who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities. The GPO can prevent retirees from receiving both their pension and full Social Security benefits, while the WEP can significantly reduce the benefits earned through Social Security contributions. The resolution emphasizes that these provisions not only impact the financial well-being of retirees but also discourage qualified individuals from pursuing careers in public service. By urging the enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act, the resolution aims to alleviate these penalties and support the financial security of public employees and their families.