The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) went into effect in 1983 and 1977, respectively. These federal laws reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for certain public servants, including teachers, firefighters, police officers and their families, despite years of service and contributions.

Sen. Susan Collins first brought national attention to these unfair laws in 2003 when, as chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, she held the first Senate hearing on the issue. In 2005, she joined Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in introducing the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation designed to repeal the WEP and GPO and restore full Social Security benefits to those affected.

For the next two decades, Sen. Collins worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to build support for repeal. She never gave up on the issue, despite numerous setbacks and years of legislative gridlock.

In 2023, Sen. Collins and Sen.Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reintroduced the Social Security Fairness Act. After years of advocacy and bipartisan cooperation, the legislation passed both the Senate and House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Biden on Jan. 5, 2025.

The repeal of the WEP and GPO has helped nearly 3,000 affected public servants in Maine and many more across the country. Their success demonstrates that perseverance, cooperation and a commitment to doing what is right can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Americans.

Michelle Michaud
Winslow