Texas House Bill HCR100

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision of the Social Security Act.

Impact

The GPO and WEP are described as penalties affecting public sector employees who receive pensions, such as teachers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. The resolution indicates that these provisions lead to unfair reductions in the Social Security benefits they receive, impacting their overall quality of life. As a result, many affected individuals experience financial strain that may force them back into the workforce, undermining their retirement after years of public service.

Summary

HCR100 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the United States Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) of the Social Security Act. The bill highlights the significant reliance of American workers, particularly those over 65, on Social Security for their retirement income, which is critical for their financial security. It points out that a substantial number of retirees depend heavily on Social Security for their income, making the issues created by the GPO and WEP even more pressing.

Contention

Advocates for HCR100 contend that repealing these provisions is essential for ensuring a fair and equitable retirement system for public servants who have contributed to Social Security. They argue that the current structure is discriminatory against those in public service roles, as it disproportionately affects their retirement benefits. While the resolution seeks to unify support for the repeal at the federal level, opposition may arise from lawmakers concerned about the implications of such repeal on public pension funding and the Social Security system as a whole.