AASA Issues Statement on Passage of Social Security Fairness Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

lwade@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – January 9, 2025 –  AASA applauds Congress for the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) which was signed by President Biden on January 6.

This legislation reversed longstanding, unfair provisions that impacted our nation’s public servants by reducing their ability to receive the Social Security benefits that they worked for. SSFA eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which reduces earned Social Security benefits of individuals who also receive a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. WEP impacts teachers in 15 states, adding further challenges to teacher recruitment and dissuading mid-career changers to consider education at a time when school districts need highly qualified educators more than ever.

In addition, SFFA repealed the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and educators — if the job was not covered by Social Security.

“The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act means that hardworking educators across the country who have dedicated their lives to supporting the students and schools in their communities are able to receive the benefits and income that they have earned. We are so grateful for the dedicated leadership of Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, and Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana in making this possible.” said David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “We appreciate their commitment and diligence and understand the huge undertaking this legislation required – we welcome and celebrate the New Year with this extraordinary achievement on behalf of 10,000 school district leaders that we represent.” 

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.