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When folks in these groups of Maine workers go to retire a peculiar and grossly unfair sequence of math is applied to their benefits with the net result being loss of substantial Social Security benefits and spousal/survivor benefits. Why? Two programs established in 1983 called the Windfall Elimination Program and the Government Pension Offset. For purposes of this quick letter, please Google them if you need more information. But as I mentioned earlier, if you know you know.
The Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal these programs and restore equity and dignity to retiring Mainers, passed the House (thank you, Maine delegation) in November and has a few short days to get onto the Senate floor. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King both support the bill and this past Wednesday Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer assured a rally of supporters of the bill gathered at the Capitol that the Senate would take action.
This must happen before Congress heads home for the holidays. This is a truly bipartisan effort, and we’re so close. Please take a minute to call our senators and ask them to encourage Schumer to get this bill up for a vote. Call Schumer and ask him to please, please get this done this week.
Judy Doran
Eliot
