Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Applauds Social Security Fairness Act and Commends President Biden’s Support for Seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Applauds Social Security Fairness Act and Commends President Biden’s Support for Seniors

CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) praised the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, highlighting President Joe Biden’s commitment to strengthening Social Security and protecting America’s seniors. The newly enacted law addresses long-standing inequities that have impacted public servants, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

“Today, we celebrate a major victory for millions of Americans—especially for residents of Chicago and the 1st Congressional District. President Biden promised to stand by our seniors, and today, he has delivered. This historic legislation ensures that those who have worked hard and paid into the system receive the full benefits they deserve. "Social Security is not an entitlement; it is paid for in full. It is not money given; it is earned by taxpayers," said Congressman Jackson.

The act eliminates two outdated provisions that penalized public servants:

1. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Previously, individuals with pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment faced reduced Social Security benefits. Eliminating WEP ensures retirees receive their full-earned benefits.
2. Government Pension Offset (GPO): The GPO reduced spousal and survivor benefits for public servants. Removing this provision guarantees surviving spouses receive the full benefits they’re entitled to without reductions.

The Social Security Fairness Act will benefit thousands of retirees in Illinois’s 1st District, many of whom have faced financial hardship due to WEP and GPO penalties. Retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters will now receive their full Social Security benefits, providing significant financial relief to middle-class households and boosting the local economy.

“Our public servants—teachers, police officers, and firefighters—should not be penalized for their service,” said Congressman Jackson. “This legislation restores fairness and dignity to those who have dedicated their lives to our communities.”

Congressman Jackson commended President Biden’s leadership in addressing these inequities, emphasizing his commitment to America’s seniors:

“President Biden’s leadership demonstrates his unwavering commitment to America’s seniors. He has kept his promise to fix the inequities in our Social Security system. Social Security is not a handout—it’s an earned benefit that millions depend on.”

President Biden, during the bill signing, stated: “Look, by signing this bill, we’re extending Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, nurses, and other public and private employees and their spouses and survivors. That means an estimated average of $360 per month increase. That’s a big deal in middle-class households like the one I grew up in and many of you did, and for millions of Americans going forward. Over two and a half million Americans will also receive a lump-sum payment of thousands of dollars to make up for the shortfall they experienced in 2024. This is a big deal.”

Congressman Jackson emphasized the need to protect Social Security for future generations and resist any efforts to reduce benefits or raise the retirement age.

“We must continue to fight for policies that protect Social Security for all Americans,” Jackson stated. “This victory honors the contributions of our public servants and ensures they can retire with dignity and financial stability. We owe it to those who’ve dedicated their lives to our communities to ensure they’re taken care of in retirement.”

####