Today marks a historic moment for Missouri’s retired educators and public school employees. At 3 p.m., President Joe Biden signed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, into law at the White House. This landmark legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), ending decades of unfair reductions to Social Security benefits for countless retirees. This monumental step comes after years of advocacy by the Missouri Retired Teachers and Public School Personnel Association (MRTA) and its members.
"We are overjoyed that President Biden has signed H.R. 82 into law," said Maria Walden, Executive Director of MRTA. "This victory represents decades of advocacy and dedication from MRTA members who refused to give up the fight for fairness. Today, we celebrate the culmination of those efforts and the brighter future it ensures for retired educators."
H.R. 82’s passage and presidential approval are the results of relentless grassroots advocacy. MRTA members and supporters wrote thousands of letters, met with lawmakers, and rallied in support of this critical legislation. The bill passed the Senate on Dec. 21, 2024, following overwhelming approval in the House of Representatives earlier in the fall, with a vote of 327 to 75, with one voting present.
This success is the result of sustained advocacy, including countless letters from MRTA members, meetings with lawmakers, and grassroots efforts to garner support for the bill. MRTA has been fighting for this repeal since 1983.
"This is a monumental win for Missouri’s retired teachers and public school personnel," said Randy McClain, Legislative Chair of MRTA. "The signing of H.R. 82 proves the power of collective action and what can be achieved when we stand together for a common cause. This victory honors the voices of educators who have tirelessly advocated for equity in retirement benefits.”
“We’ve been advocating for the repeal of WEP/GPO for decades, and this victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our members, staff and other education associations, such as MoASSP, MASA, and others,” said Maria Walden. “It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together and make our voices heard."
As MRTA members and supporters celebrate today’s passage of H.R. 82, they also acknowledge the work that lies ahead in ensuring the smooth implementation of this historic legislation.
"Today is a momentous day, but our journey continues," Walden emphasized. "We will work closely with lawmakers and stakeholders to oversee the implementation of this legislation. MRTA remains committed to advocating for the rights and benefits of all retired educators and education employees."
Thank you to over 30,000 members that answered the call to action to make this day possible.
"Today is a day to celebrate, but the journey continues," Walden concluded.
"Together, we have achieved something truly remarkable," Walden remarked. "Let’s continue to stand united as we honor the past and inspire the future for Missouri’s educators."
The Missouri Retired Teachers and Public School Personnel Association (MRTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for retired and active educators in Missouri. MRTA works to protect the rights and benefits of public school personnel and to ensure a secure retirement for its members.
