Reply from Congressman Pat Tiberi to CORE member re. GPO/WEP

July 25, 2007
Subject: Reply from Congressman Pat Tiberi to CORE member re. GPO/WEP

"You will be happy to know that I have agreed to add my name as a co-sponsor to H.R. 82."

From Contressman Pat Tiberi, July 25, 2007
Subject: Reply from Congressman Pat Tiberi

July 25, 2007
Columbus, OH 43235-1624

Dear (name withheld) ,

Thank you for your communication regarding the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision. I appreciate this opportunity to correspond with you.

After many discussions with residents of the 12th Congressional District, I became aware of the effect the government pension offset (GPO) has on many of my constituents. Indeed, the current procedure for calculating the offset may produce unintended consequences, particularly for low-income public service employees. Additionally, those affected are often unprepared for a smaller Social Security benefit than they assumed in making retirement plans.

The Social Security windfall elimination provision (WEP) also effects a number of my constituents. The WEP reduces the Social Security benefits payable to workers who also have pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security, such as Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The Social Security amendments of 1983 included a provision under which a different Social Security benefit formula applies to workers who reach age 62 (or become disabled) and become eligible after 1985 for a pension based in whole or in part on employment not covered by Social Security.

As you may know, H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2007 seeks to repeal the Government Pension Offset and windfall elimination provisions. This legislation was introduced by Representative Howard Berman (D-CA) on January 4, 2007 and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. You will be happy to know that I have agreed to add my name as a co-sponsor to H.R. 82.

Thanks again for taking a moment to share your views with me. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I may be of additional assistance.

Sincerely, Patrick J. Tiberi
Representative to Congress

PJT/ lv