Sherrill Teams Up with New Jersey Public Safety Unions to Protect Retired First Responders
Belleville, NJ – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) sat down with local police officers, firefighters, retirees and representatives from New Jersey’s public safety unions to discuss the need to protect Social Security benefits for first responders. She is helping lead legislative efforts in the House to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, a policy that unfairly cuts hard-earned social security benefits for retired first responders.
“Our first responders pay into Social Security throughout their entire careers and deserve access to every benefit they earned. That’s why it was so important to sit down with leaders from New Jersey’s public safety unions and local retirees to hear directly about how the Windfall Elimination Provision is harming individuals who spent their lives protecting our communities,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I look forward to taking their feedback and stories back to Washington as I continue my fight to repeal these harmful provisions. Thank you to the Belleville Fire Department, Mayor Melham, Ed Donnelly, and the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association for bringing us together for this important conversation.”
“I was proud to bring together our public safety labor unions to discuss an issue that’s so important to our members — repealing the WEP & GPO provisions. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Sherrill for speaking with us, taking the time to hear from our members in New Jersey, and for fighting for these policy changes in Washington,” said Eddie Donnelly, President, New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association.
“The Social Security Fairness Act's impact on retired law enforcement officers is multifaceted, often exacerbating financial strains. Policymakers should consider targeted reforms that recognize the unique contributions of law enforcement professionals, ensuring a more equitable and just retirement system for those who dedicated their careers to public safety,” said Carmen Brocato, Delegate and 1st Vice President PBA Local 600. “Thanks to Congresswoman Sherrill for bringing us together to listen to our concerns and for fighting for reforms to this harmful policy.”
"The STFA proudly supports Congresswoman Sherrill and the Social Security Fairness Act. Our retired members are being punished for solely being public safety employees. We always advocate for our members' best interests. In addition, we know this bill will help with the nationwide recruitment issues and help attract highly qualified applicants," said Trooper Salvatore DiGirolamo, Vice President of Legislation & Grievances, State Troopers Fraternal Association.
The NJFOP merely seeks equity for the more than 11,000 law enforcement officers we represent. Those of us who have fully contributed to the Social Security system should not be penalized for dedicating our lives to public service. The NJFOP is proud and thankful for Congresswoman Sherrill and our entire NJ delegation for recognizing the importance of this issue and supporting H.R. 82,” said James Troisi, Recording Secretary, Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey State Lodge.
“The PFANJ, in conjunction with the IAFF has been on the forefront of eliminating the WEP. The first responders in this state should never be penalized for the hard work that they do on top of protecting the citizens of this great state. We will continue to fight down in Washington DC alongside all first responder unions in this country until this age-old penalty has been repealed. We are grateful to have Congresswoman Sherrill as a partner in this fight,” said Matt Caliente, President, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.
“The NCO Association would like to thank Congresswoman Sherrill for her leadership on this issue and for taking the time to hear from the public safety unions on such an important topic. While the WEP and GPO have a harmful effect on thousands of our active and retired members and their families, they also affect the already difficult task of recruiting quality candidates due to the drastic cut they would face in earned social security benefits upon retirement,” said Dan Oliveira, President, State Trooper Non-Commissioned Officers Association. “We stand in strong support of HR 82 with our fellow public safety unions in New Jersey to repeal the WEP and GPO so that our members who have bravely served the public are no longer penalized for that selfless service.”
Congresswoman Sherrill has been a strong advocate for the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep New Jerseyans safe. She is leading legislation to ensure state and local police departments have ample resources to fight auto thefts and fought hard to pass legislation that will help departments retain and recruit officers, purchase body cameras, and provide mental health training and assistance to officers.
Rep. Sherrill has also been a steadfast advocate for ensuring firefighters have access to workers compensation and medical benefits. In 2020, she helped secure over $600,000 in FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) for six fire departments in Essex County.
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