GPO/WEP Summit

On March 9^th and 10^th, NARFE staff participated in and led a session of a legislative “summit” on the unfair and arbitrary Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO) and so called Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Many of the participants representing state teacher retirement organizations traveled to Washington for the summit. On March 10^th NARFE Legislative Department staff, led the session to update state-based participants on NARFE’s efforts and those of the Coalition to Assure Retirement Equity (CARE). Founded by NARFE in 1991, CARE is comprised of 40 national, state and local organizations solely for the purpose of addressing the Social Security offsets. The House sponsor of complete repeal legislation (H.R. 235), Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), and a cosponsor, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) addressed the summit. NARFE magazine (May issue) will include full coverage

CAUTION; read the bottom line!

Senator Tom Coburn, R-OK, filibustered against amendment 1522 offered by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Sen. Collins to make several improvements to civil service. Senator Tom Coburn filibuster for a total of one hour and 20 minutes.

Then Senator Tom Coburn made this unbelievable comment,

“By the way, if you are a Federal employee and unhappy with me trying to defeat this amendment, you should pay attention to something. There is no guarantee to your Federal pension based on the economics we face today in this country. If you think it is guaranteed, you have another thought coming because the world economic system is going to determine whether we can honor that pension. That is what is coming. We are very close.

I fail to see what I could say after that statement. However, it has created more e-mail than any other topic in the last year.

Cece Dougherty said...

Sen Coburn is lucky he doesm't depend on us for votes.

JULY 28, 2009 11:57 PM

NARFE MEETS WITH MICA’S STAFF

Ormond NARFE Chapter 2247 met with Mica’s staff on July 15, 2009 in the Ormond office. Bob Wehrli, President of the Ormond Chapter, presided over the meeting and introduced each member to Mr. Richard Harkey who was standing in for the Congressman. Then Bob read a letter to the group that he asked Mr. Harkey to convey to the Congressman. The letter addressed three issues: Government Pension Offset (GPO), Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), and Premium Conversion. Bob thanked the congressman for Cosigning H.S.235 that would eliminate both the Government Pension offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) on or about March 24, 2009. However, the Bill has to get out of Committee if it is to receive a vote. To that end Bob

requested; that the Congressman urge Chairman Rangel of the House Committee on Ways and Means to take Action and allow the Bill to come before the entire House for a vote.

In like manner Bob asked; the Congressman to Cosign H.R. 1203 which would allow Federal and Military Retirees to use pre-tax earnings to pay their share of the health insurance premiums. He further urged the Congressman to use all in his power to get H.R.1203 out of Committee and onto the House Floor for a positive vote.

Next, eleven members of the Ormond Chapter and one from the New Smyma Beach Chapter provided personalized information as to how the three issues involved them and affect their lives. The members who spoke were: Cece Dougherty, Karen Isaacs, Nick Calvano, John Lowe, Lee Sherman, Pat Berger, Marie Donahue, Geri Wehrli, Sue O’Brien, Don Wasson, and Rose Lauer. Several of these people also provided written material addressing the three issues.

Bob closed by thanking Mr. Harkey for his attention and questions that brought out additional information on the three issues. Pictures were taken but unfortunately there was considerable glare form the sun, so some members sitting by the window are not shown above.