IL SJR0061

Urges Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduces spouse and survivor Social Security benefits by two-thirds of any federal, state, or local government pension received.

Urges Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which reduces earned Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive public pension benefits.

Notes that over 700,000 people are affected by GPO and approximately 2,000,000 people are affected by WEP, with disproportionate impact on lower-wage government employees such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, and state employees.

States that both GPO and WEP can be applied simultaneously to survivor benefits, substantially eliminating available Social Security benefits despite years of Social Security tax contributions.

Requests that a copy of the resolution be sent to the President, Vice President, and Illinois congressional delegation.