LETTER: Social Security provision unfair

I served the federal government for 34 years, all of it outside of the United States with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, serving proudly as an educator.

I also worked before entering government service in the private sector as a private school educator.

When I retired, I was surprised to learn my Social Security benefit would be considerably less per month than that of my colleagues and neighbors who had never worked for the federal government. This is all because of the Windfall Elimination Provision under the Social Security law.

Throughout my government career, I held myself to a high standard of fairness and equity. But now in retirement, I’m subject to a law that is anything but fair and equitable from my point of view. This provision unfairly reduces my Social Security benefits for no other reason than that I worked for the government.

Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, would reform the Windfall Elimination Provision. The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, H.R. 711, recognizes the work I’ve done and the contributions I’ve made, and would adjust my Social Security benefits accordingly. Plus it would do so without costing taxpayers a nickel. Support fairness and equity now.

—Leland “Wally” Walbruch, Kalispell