KEA: KENTUCKY POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, AND TEACHERS CALL ON SEN. MCCONNELL TO LEAD AND SUPPORT SENATE VOTE ON SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT TO END BENEFIT STEAL

KENTUCKY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 

LOUISVILLE (December 10, 2024) – Scores of Kentucky police, firefighters, teachers and leaders representing more than 53,000 union members across the Commonwealth joined together today in Louisville calling on Senator Mitch McConnell to support and lead a senate vote on the Social Security Fairness Act (S. 597) that will repeal two laws robbing millions of public service workers of earned benefits. (See joint letter sent to Sen. Mitch McConnell from FOP, KPFF, and KEA here.)

“We are here today to ask Kentucky’s most senior public servant, Senator Mitch McConnell, to stand up for and with our police officers, firefighters, educators, and their families across Kentucky,” said Kentucky Education Association President Eddie Campbell. “Kentucky’s first responders and teachers have been—and continue to be—negatively affected by these two laws, GPO and WEP,  that unjustly eliminate or reduce their social security benefits, even slashing spousal and survivor benefits.”

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces spousal or survivor Social Security benefits by two-thirds of the recipient’s government pension. For many retired educators in Kentucky, this means losing all or most of the financial security they expected to receive as a result of their spouse’s hard-earned benefits. For example, a retiree receiving a $1,500 pension could see their Social Security benefits reduced by $1,000—or lose them entirely. These laws affect tens of thousands of current and retired public service workers in Kentucky and more than 2.8 million across the U.S.

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) cuts Social Security retirement benefits for individuals who worked second jobs—such as summer employment or part-time roles—for which they paid into Social Security. This provision disproportionately impacts teachers, police officers, and other public servants who work additional jobs to make ends meet and support their families.

Berl Purdue, president of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police offered his support for passage. “On behalf of the more than 10,000 men and women in sworn law enforcement across Kentucky represented by the Fraternal Order of Police, we are calling on Senator Mitch McConnell to lead the way in passing the Social Security Fairness Act through the Senate and making it the law of the land.”

“This legislation is critical to ensuring fairness and respect for ALL first responders who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities across the great Commonwealth of Kentucky. With Senator McConnell’s leadership, we can take this important step toward justice and equity for the men and women who risk everything for public safety,” said Purdue.

Brandon Lincoln, the state FOP Lodge sergeant-at-arms, appealed to Sen. McConnell that this is a pivotal opportunity for him to make this critical change for first responders across the nation. “Senator McConnell, will you join us in championing this important piece of legislation?”

Kentuckians can voice their support for Kentucky’s police officers, firefighters, and teachers by sending an email asking Sen. McConnell to vote and support the Social Security Fairness Act. He can be reached by visiting www.mcconnell.senate.gov or at his Louisville senate office at (502) 582-6304.