Kentucky House Bill HR37

Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/15/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the government pension offset and the windfall elimination provision.

Impact

This resolution raises concerns about the financial repercussions of the government pension offset and windfall elimination provision, especially their effects on women, who are disproportionately affected. The resolution presents data indicating that a vast majority of those impacted are women, particularly regarding the severe financial impacts on lower-income widowed women. Furthermore, the bill points towards how these offsets affect recruitment into professions such as teaching, where financial security is critical for attracting suitable candidates.

Summary

House Resolution 37 urges the United States Congress to amend Title II of the Social Security Act specifically targeting the repeal of the government pension offset and the windfall elimination provision. These provisions currently impose reductions on Social Security benefits for individuals who also draw from noncovered public retirement systems. The resolution highlights the negative and inequitable impacts these provisions have had on public employees, particularly teachers, firefighters, and police officers, who often supplement their incomes through Social Security-covered part-time work.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HR37 appears to be supportive, aimed at alleviating financial burdens for public sector workers. Advocates for the repeal see it as a necessary corrective action to promote equity and fairness in the Social Security system. The resolution captures an understanding of the hardships faced by those affected and attempts to rally congressional support for bringing about meaningful change regarding these provisions.

Contention

While the resolution is positioned as a step towards fairness, there may be contention surrounding how it will be received at the federal level. The appropriateness of the Social Security offset provisions and their necessity for the funding of the Social Security program might face debate. Opponents could argue about the implications that repealing these provisions might have on overall funding or financial sustainability of the Social Security system.