The Social Security Fairness Act is Signed by President Biden!

CalRTA victory! Advocacy works! Thanks to decades of advocacy by CalRTA, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law on January 5, 2025. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) penalties no longer threaten to reduce your earned Social Security benefits!

Celebrating CalRTA’s Advocacy in Repealing the WEP/GPO!

This is more than a victory, it’s proof of what we can accomplish together. Through tireless effort and unwavering determination, CalRTA stood as the only West Coast organization working side by side with the bill authors of the Social Security Fairness Act. Righting a wrong and helping millions to receive the benefits they’ve earned. We didn’t just show up — we made a difference — together!

(This short video was shown during the 2025 Annual Convention Awards & Installation Banquet.)

What Happens Now? Implementation ...

CalRTA members have access to the latest updates within our Members Only section.

CalRTA Members – CLICK HERE to access the updated "WEP/GPO Repealed: What's Next?" page within the members section.

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Your Voice in Retirement Security

CalRTA has been a leading force in the fight for Social Security fairness for more than two decades. As a respected national advocate, we developed a long-term strategy for repeal that included: producing thousands of legislative alerts used within national campaigns, coordinating Lobby Days in Washington, D.C. every two years since 2007, and securing formal support for repeal from the California Legislature through CalRTA-sponsored resolutions.

If you're not yet a member ...

CalRTA members are retired AND current teachers, administrators and other friends and family who support public education.

Our Advocacy Membership is a state level, online membership that's perfect for anyone who wants to support our efforts without the expectation of local involvement.

CalRTA is fighting for ALL educators, but we can’t do it without you.

Help us help you by becoming a member!

CalRTA Advocacy Membership - Learn More

Historical Reference Materials

CalRTA was one of the first organizations to begin pushing for repeal of these unfair penalties and was the only West Coast association in the Strategic Repeal Task Force working directly with the bill authors.

See photos and videos on our Facebook Page.

Background Information -
H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness Act of 2023

Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) authored the repeal bill for the 118th Congress.

Bill Information Including Cosponsors

H.R. 82 - CalRTA Letter of Support

CBO H.R. 82 Cost Estimate

Background Information -
S 597 - Senate Companion Bill to H.R. 82

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) authored the Senate companion bill to H.R. 82. S 597 was introduced in March 2023.

Bill Information Including Cosponsors

S 597 - CalRTA Letter of Support

CalRTA Sponsors 2023 CA WEP/GPO Repeal Resolution

Senator Dave Cortese has authored CalRTA-sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 1 (SJR 1), which calls for Congress to pass and the President to sign legislation that would repeal the WEP and GPO.

SJR 1 - Official Language

SJR 1 - Fact Sheet

Previous Flyers

Overview Flyer - WEP & GPO

Repeal the WEP & GPO Handout

WEP & GPO Scenario Chart

Myths and Facts Sheet

How Social Security Penalties Hurt Teachers

WEP/GPO Repeal Press Conferences and Articles

(9-14-23) National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare article (CalRTA President Susan Dixon quoted) - Read Article

(9-12-23) National WEP/GPO Repeal Press Conference and Summit - Watch Video

(7-12-23) Graves-led push on Social Security benefits gains traction - Read More

(9/22/22) Representatives Davis, Graves and Letlow held a press conference to keep the spotlight on repeal. Watch Video

(9/21/22) Article on CNBC “Public servants like teachers and police often get reduced Social Security. Congress is weighing a bill that could change that” - Read More

(7/29/22)  CalRTA President-Elect and Chair of our Govt. Relations Committee Susan Dixon was invited to speak at the DC repeal press conference. - Watch Video

Video of Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD Calling for Repeal on the Floor of the House - Watch Video

CalRTA OpEd Oct 2021

Sept 2021 - KTVU Coverage -  Video ~ Article