HR0038 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0038 LRB102 03818 MST 13832 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was created in 1983 to fix an error in how Social Security benefits were calculated that had become known as the "windfall"; however, the WEP did not always function as intended and often penalized workers by giving them a lower income replacement rate than they deserved; and

WHEREAS, The WEP is also overly complicated in addition to being overly punitive; it is not an issue for individuals who spend their entire career in one job where they do not pay Social Security tax; however, for those who work both at a job where they do pay the tax and one where they do not, it can be a very confusing process to deal with the WEP; in the modern economy, it is more likely that an individual will have multiple jobs over their lifetime rather than just one; and

WHEREAS, United States House Resolution 711 of the 114th Congress would have repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and replaced it with the Public Servant Fairness Formula; this change would allow for the use of one benefit calculation for all beneficiaries; it would be easier to understand and more fair; and

WHEREAS, U.S. H.R. 711 of the 114th Congress was not supported by all as the best way to fix the problems created by the WEP; however, it has gone further in the process than previous attempts, showcasing the widespread belief that something needs to be done to correct the problems created by the WEP; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the President and the United States Congress to continue to work to find a solution to the problems created by the Windfall Elimination Provision; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, the U.S. Speaker of the House, the U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.