Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has expressed satisfaction following the signing of a bill that repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This legislation, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, was passed by the Senate with a 76 to 20 vote. It aims to ensure that public sector workers and their families receive full Social Security benefits by eliminating penalties that previously reduced benefits for nearly three million Americans.

"WEP and GPO are officially repealed! State and local workers in Louisiana are now not penalized for working in the public sector," said Dr. Cassidy. "What a win for Louisiana families and Americans across our country. The next step is saving Social Security from insolvency so it can continue paying benefits to all who earn them."

The WEP, enacted in 1983, affected workers receiving pensions from government employment not covered by Social Security, while the GPO, enacted in 1977, impacted spousal benefits for those whose spouses received such pensions. These provisions have notably affected teachers and police officers among others.

Senator Cassidy actively advocated for this legislative change on the U.S. Senate floor before both procedural votes leading up to its passage. He has been an original cosponsor of this act since joining Congress in 2009 and has led efforts during recent congressional sessions.

Cassidy's broader initiative includes preserving and protecting Social Security through bipartisan collaboration. His past actions include questioning U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen regarding President Biden’s plan for Social Security, which she acknowledged was lacking.

Cassidy has shared his ideas publicly through various platforms including discussions with AARP, articles in major publications like the Washington Examiner and Wall Street Journal, as well as participating in events organized by entities such as the Bipartisan Policy Committee.