Sherrill Votes to Protect Social Security Benefits for New Jersey’s First Responders, Teachers, and Public Servants

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to pass H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the harmful Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, policies that unfairly cut hard-earned Social Security benefits for retired first responders, teachers, and other state and local government employees. 

“Our first responders, teachers, and hardworking public servants should be able to retire in the communities they have served without breaking the bank – that’s why I was proud to vote for the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation to ensure that state and local government employees can access all of the Social Security benefits they have earned. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation for a vote quickly so we can get this bill signed into law,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Last year, I sat down with retired first responders and representatives from all of New Jersey’s public safety unions to discuss the need to repeal harmful federal laws that take Social Security benefits away from retirees. Since then, I have taken their concerns back to Washington as I have advocated to pass this legislation.”

“This is a huge accomplishment and will provide much needed relief for our members. Thank you to our Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and our entire NJ delegation,” said Eddie Donnelly, President, NJ FMBA. “This is the closest we have come in decades to eliminating the WEP and GPO. More work is needed, and we are committed to seeing through for our First Responders.”

"The Professional Firefighters of New Jersey applauds the House of Representatives for voting to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)," stated PFANJ President Matthew Caliente. "These provisions unfairly diminish the well-earned Social Security benefits of our members and their families. We commend Congresswoman Sherrill and the New Jersey Congressional delegation for their leadership on this critical issue. We urge the Senate and the next Congress to follow suit."

“Eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is crucial for law enforcement professionals because it would ensure fair treatment of their Social Security benefits, which are often reduced due to WEP despite their years of public service. This reduction impacts many retired officers who have worked in positions with both Social Security and non-covered pensions, effectively penalizing them for their service,” said Carmen Brocato, Delegate and 1st Vice President, PBA Local 600. “By removing WEP, law enforcement retirees could receive full, earned Social Security benefits, which would support their financial security in retirement and recognize the unique nature of their work.”

“The STFA commends Congresswoman Sherrill on both her co-sponsorship and vote in favor of H.R. 82. This Bill will provide access and equity to Social Security benefits to our members who have given their lives in service of the people of the State of New Jersey and our great nation.  The vote today ensures our membership and our retirees’ hope for financial stability in their futures, especially in this time of economic uncertainty,” said Wayne Blanchard, President, State Troopers Fraternal Association.

“The New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police sincerely thanks Rep. Sherrill for her support of this legislation. Elimination of the WEP and GPO is not a gift to public pensioners. It is a long overdue correction of inequality in the Social Security system,” said James Troisi, Recording Secretary, Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey State Lodge.

“The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset has unfairly affected our members and prevented them from benefits that they have rightfully accrued. After a career of public service, too often supplemented by additional employment needed to support a family, in addition to all required employee and employer contributions, having our members denied the full benefit that they have earned is unacceptable. The NCO Association would like to thank Representative Mikie Sherrill on her unwavering support of this bill and, ultimately, our members,” said Dan Oliveira, President, State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

Congresswoman Sherrill has been a strong advocate for the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep New Jerseyans safe. She led a roundtable in December 2023 with retired first responders and representatives from all of New Jersey’s public safety unions to listen to their concerns about protecting Social Security benefits. In response, she led a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee advocating for the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset and urging them to schedule a vote on this legislation immediately. Additionally, Sherrill is leading legislation to ensure state and local police departments have the resources they need 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. She was also proud to vote for the Fire Grants and Safety Act in May 2024 to reauthorize the AFG and SAFER federal grants programs for firefighters to ensure that they can keep providing critical equipment and training to our fire departments.

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