NEWS RELEASE
Maine School Leaders Praise U.S. Senate Passage of Social Security Fairness Act
Maine school leaders are praising the passage by the U.S. Senate of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which will repeal harmful Social Security provisions and ensure Maine’s retired public employees receive the benefits they have long deserved.
The Social Security Fairness Act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which have reduced and even eliminated Social Security benefits for certain retirees in more than a dozen states (including those in Maine) who also receive a government pension from their employer. The provisions have also reduced, or in some cases eliminated, benefits for spouses and widows who receive their own pension.
The Senate overwhelmingly backed the bill on Saturday morning, voting 76-20 to send it to President Biden’s desk. This legislation, if signed by the president, would provide fair treatment for Maine’s public employees – from teachers to firefighters and police officers – and allow them to receive the full benefits they have earned and to which they are entitled.
“The U.S. Senate’s passage of this legislation is long overdue,” said Maine School Boards Association President Steve Bailey. “For decades, our retired educators have been denied the benefits they deserve, often resulting in financial hardship. This legislation would finally ensure fair treatment for Maine’s hard-working teachers and school staff, providing them with greater financial security and peace of mind.”
“Schools across Maine are in need of more staff members, from teachers to ed techs and school bus drivers. Yet the harmful WEP and GPO provisions have been a major deterrent that have kept many workers from taking critical roles inside our public schools,” said Maine School Superintendents Association Executive Director Eileen King. “If President Biden signs this bill, it would make teaching a more financially viable career choice, ensuring our schools can attract and retain the quality educators our students need.”
The Maine School Boards Association and Maine School Superintendents Association would also like to thank Maine's entire Congressional Delegation, who have been longstanding advocates for ensuring our retired public workers get the benefits they deserve.
A 2024 report from Educate Maine identified the Windfall Elimination Provision as a significant barrier to entering the education field. As of 2023, more than 21,000 Maine residents are affected by the WEP.
About MSSA/MSBA:
The Maine School Boards Association is a statewide non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the education of all students in Maine’s public schools by identifying and serving the needs of local school boards. The Maine School Superintendents Association represents superintendents across Maine, with a purpose of leading for equity, excellence and opportunity for all Maine students.
Media Contact:
Robbie Feinberg
Director of Communications and Government Relations
rfeinberg@msmaweb.com
Cell: 207-314-6281