In Social Security, we’ve made an important promise to America’s seniors that I am committed to uphold. We must protect and secure Social Security for generations to come.

With a population that is living longer, Social Security’s solvency has become a more pressing issue. According to the Social Security Board of Trustees 2022 report, the Social Security trust fund will be depleted by 2034, with taxes only covering 77% of each citizens scheduled benefits.

While any changes in the way Social Security operates must be approached with extreme caution, the current system is unsustainable over the long-run and requires reforms to ensure Social Security remains solvent for tomorrow’s retirees.

Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)

Many teachers and other public servants in Texas fail to receive the Social Security benefits they are entitled to because of Social Security’s Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). These formulas result in an unfair and arbitrary reduction in benefits for those who work in a job that has a Social Security substitute, such as state public pensions. These programs can also impact the spouses of public servants and teachers.

As a former teacher and the daughter of an educator, I personally understand this problem. During my time in Congress, I am proud to have co-sponsored numerous bills to eliminate the GPO and WEP formulas and I promise to continue to support efforts to change the current law so hard-working Texans are not unfairly penalized.