The new math 2004
 When
I was an elementary student, I’m sure I was taught somewhere
along the way that 50 percent plus one equaled a majority.
That was in math class. Somewhere along the way, I learned
in social studies that we live in a democracy and that a democracy
is based on majority rule. Those are some basics that kids
are still learning today.
However, let’s look at the numbers: 300 + 31 + 20 +
1 = 0
Those are the numbers for the Social Security Fairness Act,
which would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). But look at how they
add up.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, we have 300 co-sponsors.
Out of a total Congressional delegation of 435, that is a
clear bipartisan majority—68 percent! However, one person,
Rep.
Story
update
Since early May, NEA and Reps. McKeon and Berman, the
major sponsors of H.R. 594, the Social Security Fairness
Act, have been meeting with Congressman Shaw to see
what could be done to move the bill forward. That has
resulted in a compromise bill, H.R. 4391/S2455 known
as the Public Servant Retirement Protection Act. Shaw,
himself, is one of the sponsors. This bill does not
address the GPO at all but does offer a new formula
for calculating benefits (WEP) when an individual has
earnings from both social security and non-social security
positions.
We are currently waiting for the “template”
which is being prepared on Capitol Hill, so that those
of us who are affected can do the preliminary calculations
to determine the positive – or negative –
effects of this bill.
Meanwhile, NEA is supporting the bill as a first step
towards total repeal. If, during the course of Congressional
hearings, the bill does not appear to offer relief,
NEA support will be withdrawn. However, if the bill
does offer a positive step forward, we’ll be getting
back to you to write or call your representative to
urge their support. While the bill is not the total
repeal we want, it is a compromise that could pass during
this Congress. |
Clay Shaw (FL), chair of the House Subcommittee on Social
Security, is balking at letting House Resolution 594 out of
committee. Fifty-five percent of our Missouri representatives
have signed on, but not Rep. Kenny Hulshof who also serves
on this committee.
In the U.S. Senate, we have 31 co-sponsors—but not
Sens. Bond and Talent. We haven’t really been concentrating
our efforts on the Senate yet, but believe we could garner
the votes (only 20 more needed) if we could just get the measure
through the House.
Plus one. The likelihood of a presidential veto, even if
we can get the Social Security Fairness Act through Congress,
is high. Therefore, 300 + 31 + 20 + 1 = 0.
Those are just the numbers for the repeal of the Social Security
offsets. Take another issue, any issue—try full funding
of the foundation formula for education in the Missouri legislature.
Do the math. If the numbers don’t add up to support
your views, you can change them. How? By supporting candidates
who support issues you think are important and then working
to get them elected.
Nov. 2, 2004,
is Election Day, when the final numbers will be determined
for the next four years. Those numbers can change things for
the better…or for the worse. Will you help?
To volunteer for Campaign 2004, contact your local UniServ
office or call Leila Medley at (800) 392-0236. For more information
on the Social Security Act and other federal issues, go to
www.nea.org and click on
“Legislative Action Center.” For Missouri issues,
go to
by Martha Karlovetz
MNEA-Retired President |
