One year ago today, the U.S. Senate took a historic and long-awaited step by passing legislation to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). For Texas retired educators and public servants across the nation, the vote marked the beginning of the end of two federal policies that unfairly reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits earned through years of hard work. Today, the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) proudly celebrates the one-year anniversary of that milestone and the advocacy that made it possible.
For decades, WEP and GPO penalized public servants simply because they dedicated their careers to service. Retired teachers who earned Social Security benefits through second jobs or earlier employment often saw those benefits reduced. Spouses and survivors were especially hard hit, with many losing benefits altogether. The Senate’s action sent a powerful message: public service should be honored, not punished.
This victory was the result of relentless, coordinated advocacy at both the state and national levels. TRTA members raised their voices year after year, which included writing letters, making calls, sharing personal stories, and meeting with lawmakers, to ensure Congress understood the real-life consequences of these policies. TRTA’s leadership and grassroots members worked tirelessly to keep repeal front and center.
Equally critical was TRTA’s creation and role within a strong national coalition that united organizations from across the country around a common goal. Within that coalition, the tireless advocacy of Mass Retirees and the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) stood out. Their unwavering focus, strategic leadership, and persistence helped sustain momentum when progress seemed slow and ensured repeal remained a national priority. Together, coalition partners proved that collaboration across state lines can achieve meaningful, lasting change.
The impact of repeal is already being felt. To date, the Social Security Administration has distributed more than $2 billion in retroactive payments to Texans affected by WEP and GPO. These payments represent not just financial relief, but long-overdue fairness for retirees and their families—money that was earned and is finally being returned to those who depend on it for security and peace of mind.
As TRTA marks this anniversary, we also recognize that advocacy does not end with one victory. The repeal of WEP and GPO demonstrates what is possible when retired educators stand together with clarity and resolve. TRTA remains committed to protecting retirement security, strengthening the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and continuing the fight for meaningful cost-of-living adjustments.
This anniversary belongs to every TRTA member who refused to give up, every coalition partner who stayed the course, and every retiree whose voice helped bring about change. One year later, the repeal of WEP and GPO stands as a testament to persistence, partnership, and the enduring power of educators united in advocacy.
Gracias
Thank you for your membership to TRTA. If you are not yet a member, we need you to help us protect your retirement security. Please join TRTA today!
If you know someone who should be a member of TRTA who has not yet joined, please consider buying them a TRTA membership—just $35—as a gift for this holiday season!
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