Dear John,

I am coming to you today with an urgent and extremely time-sensitive request.

On Tuesday, November 12, the U.S. Congress will vote on H.R. 82, a bill that would overturn the WEP/GPO (windfall elimination provision and government pension offset) penalties that substantially reduce or eliminate the EARNED Social Security benefits of over one million teachers and public employees who are CalSTRS participants and who also contribute or have contributed in the past to Social Security through other employment.

Please sign this letter now urging your Congressional representative to VOTE YES on H.R. 82.

This unfair penalty profoundly hurts so many hard-working CFT members and retirees and their families, jeopardizing their retirement security as well as spousal survivor benefits. It also contributes to the current teacher and educator shortages, as it serves as a disincentive for those looking to join the ranks of teachers as a second career.

This bill is a bipartisan effort with both Republican and Democratic support, so we need to urge a YES vote from every Congressperson, regardless of political party.

Everyone deserves a secure retirement, especially those who have devoted their careers to public service. Please sign the letter to your Congressional representative now.

In Unity,

Jeff Freitas
CFT President

Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from California Federation of Teachers, please click here.