Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes to Pass Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Social Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, U.S. RepresentativeGabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) voted in favor of H.R.82, the Social Security Fairness Act, which strengthens Social Security benefits for public servants. Vasquez understands that those who have worked hard should not be penalized for providing for their families. That’s why he co-sponsored this bill in his first year in office to address these issues.  

“For too long, hard working New Mexicans, including firefighters, teachers and postal workers, have faced unfair cuts to their benefits. I am proud to vote to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act that solves this problem,” said Vasquez. “This bill finally ensures that public servants who have dedicated their lives to improving our communities receive the retirement they have earned. The Social Security Fairness Act is a vital step towards fairness, dignity and honoring the contributions of those who’ve served our communities.”

After working hard their whole lives, New Mexican seniors depend on their Social Security savings. However, not everyone receives the full Social Security savings that they’ve earned. Under current federal laws, many public servants – including schoolteachers, postal workers, firefighters and police officers – can have their benefits cut in half or even completely taken away in some circumstances. 

Two separate federal laws enacted in the 1970s and 1980s prevent many public servants from receiving their full Social Security savings. The Social Security Fairness Act addresses these two provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for people who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. First, it eliminates the Government Pension Offset, which reduces survivors’ benefits for spouses and widows who also receive government pensions of their own. It also stops the Windfall Elimination Provision, which reduces Social Security benefits for people who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.

Many public servants affected by these provisions work multiple jobs throughout their career to cover basic living expenses. Vasquez will continue fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security for New Mexico’s seniors.

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