One of the greatest challenges facing our nation today is the preservation of Social Security for those that have worked hard for it and earned it.
I’m especially concerned for those seniors who have worked in public service, as teachers, firefighters, police officers and community workers, who are being shorted their benefits as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
I, along with the families and communities of Maine, am grateful for the extraordinary work that these public servants do every day. My father was a public school teacher and coach for decades in Central Maine. He is one of the hardest working individuals that I’ve ever known, and I understand, firsthand, the incredible dedication it takes to teach and serve a local community.
I believe it’s important that our teachers and public workers are guaranteed the Social Security benefits that they have worked hard for and earned. Maine seniors have contributed to Social Security their entire lives and are now counting on it. Washington must keep its promises to our seniors.
I firmly believe that each worker should receive the benefits for which they have worked and paid taxes.
That’s why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 711, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2015. This bill will fully repeal the WEP and allow for Maine seniors to finally receive the benefits they have worked hard for and earned.
As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare for our Maine seniors, like my parents, who depend on it.
That’s why I supported a budget that will preserve Social Security and protect it for future generations, like my son, who are beginning to contribute to this critical program. Additionally, I supported the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act that will help strengthen Medicare. This bill, which is now signed in to law, will repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula so our Maine seniors can continue to see their doctors. I believe in better access to health care for our seniors while helping our taxpayers save money.
As Maine’s 2nd District Representative, I will continue to support bills that will help strengthen, preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors and future generations.