Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has cast her vote in favor of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to ensure full Social Security benefits for public servants such as firefighters and law enforcement officers. This legislation is particularly significant for nearly 7,000 individuals in West Virginia.

Senator Capito stated, "By passing this legislation and repealing - two Social Security provisions that have impacted thousands of West Virginians, our police officers, firefighters, and other local and state public servants who may have worked a second job or re-entered the workforce after retirement to support their families are no longer being unfairly penalized. Nor are spouses, widows, and widowers who had their benefits severely reduced or entirely eliminated because they also collected a government pension. Repealing these provisions is the right thing to do and will help so many who have dedicated their lives in service to their communities."

Jayson Nicewarner from the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia expressed gratitude towards Senator Capito's decision: “Senator Capito has always been a loyal supporter of professional firefighters and today she is doubling down on that support by voting yes on H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness Act. Senator Capito realizes the positive impact this will have on working class retirees, not only now but also in the future. Thank you, Senator Capito, for having the back of blue-collar working class West Virginians and the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia.”

Retired Chief Deputy Steve Walker also acknowledged her support: “I’d like to thank Senator Capito for her support of HR 82, and from all West Virginia current employees and retirees who have worked but have been negatively impacted by our current Social Security. Even though we have worked and put in the same amount as others.”

The bill seeks to repeal two existing provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) enacted in 1983 and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) enacted in 1977—that currently reduce Social Security benefits for certain public employees receiving government pensions.

The passage of this act would restore full benefits for affected law enforcement officers, firefighters, park rangers, among others.