The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) strongly supports the Ohio House Concurrent Resolution 6, which urges Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). We believe addressing these Social Security penalties is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators in Ohio's public schools, particularly in light of the ongoing teacher shortage crisis.
Position Statement:
The OESCA advocates for the immediate repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) to ensure fair and equitable Social Security benefits for public sector employees, including educators. We assert that:
1. The WEP and GPO unfairly penalize public sector workers, including teachers, who have earned Social Security benefits through other employment or their spouse's work history.
2. These provisions create a significant disincentive for experienced professionals from the private sector to transition into teaching and other public education roles, exacerbating the current educator shortage.
3. Repealing the WEP and GPO would enhance the attractiveness of public sector employment, particularly in education, by ensuring that individuals do not face reduced Social Security benefits upon retirement.
4. Eliminating these penalties aligns with the principle of fair compensation for public service and recognizes the valuable contributions of educators to society.
5. The repeal would support recruitment and retention efforts in the education sector, helping to address the critical shortage of qualified teachers and staff in Ohio's schools.
OESCA urges federal lawmakers to act swiftly on this matter, as it directly impacts the quality of education in Ohio and the financial security of our dedicated public servants. We believe that repealing the WEP and GPO is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic step in addressing the broader challenges facing public education today.
By supporting this resolution, we aim to create a more equitable retirement system for public sector employees and strengthen our ability to attract top talent to critical roles in education. This action is essential for maintaining the high standards of education that Ohio's students deserve and for ensuring the long-term stability of our public education system.