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WEP & GPO Dilemma
Much has been written for decades about whether the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Offset Proviso (GPO) are fair. Both reduce some public employee pensions, specifically affecting those who had some time in the Social Security system but usually many more years out of the system. Alicia Munnell of MarketWatch explains the rationale behind these 1983 provisions. She also explores a reform effort to mitigate the so-called “penalty” as proposed in a bill by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX). Finally, she explains why ultimately, in her view, all state and local employees not now covered by Social Security should be. Full piece here.
These provisions hit women hard. Women after often in the workforce but below Social Securities high earnings threshold due to domestic responsibilities. Women who choose public service are being unfairly short changed and would be better off focusing on a career in private industry.