Social Security Issues: In Washington, DC, discussion on all Social Security issues has stalled. However, mandatory Social Security continues to be mentioned as a viable option to strengthen the program. KRTA is opposed to mandatory Social Security because it will have a devastating impact on our retirement system.
All KTRS members (active and retired) will be negatively affected by required participation in Social Security. Reductions in future cost of living increases and other benefits such as health care are distinctly possible if mandatory Social Security occurs. Two (2) additional Social Security issues that negatively impact KRTA members are the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). S 619 now has 23 Senate co-sponsors.
Neither of Kentucky’s Senators Jim Bunning nor Mitch McConnell have signed on as co-sponsors of S 206. HR 82 has 350 House of Representative co-sponsors. Currently, all Kentucky's Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of HR 82. S 206 and HR 82 would repeal the WEP and GPO.
Both bills, however, are being held by the leadership of their respective chambers and are not being allowed a vote. It is important for each of us to let our federal legislators know that we are against mandatory Social Security, but we support repeal of the WEP and GPO.
Due to current security measures, the most efficient way to contact our federal legislators about these issues is by fax. The fax numbers for Kentucky’s federal legislators are as follows: Jim Bunning (202-228-1373); Ben Chandler (202-225-2122); Geoff Davis (202-225-0003); Ron Lewis (202-226-2019); Mitch McConnell (202-224-2499); John Yarmuth (202-225-5401); Hal Rogers (202-225-0940) and Ed Whitfield (202-225-3547).
KRTA continues to work on these issues at the national level with the Coalition to Preserve Retirement Security (CPRS). Regular updates concerning these Social Security issues appear in each issue of the KRTA News. Look for them.
