Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. form letter to constituent, 2001?

FIELD(letterdate) FIELD(nameline) FIELD(title) FIELD(organization 1 ) FIELD(organization2) FIELD(addressl) FIELD(address2) FIELD(address3) FIELD(address4) IFNOTBLANK(city)FIELD(city), FIELD(state) FIELD(zip9)ENDIF Dear FIELD(salutation2b): Thank you for contacting me regarding the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). I benefit by knowing your views on this important issue. Before 1983, government workers who contributed to a government pension, instead of the Social Security system, got a "windfall" by receiving full social security benefits. In 1983, as part of major amendments to the Social Security Act, Congress created the “windfall elimination provision” (WEP) to restore financial solvency to the system to ensure it for future generations. The provision’s purpose was to treat all workers fairly by removing an unintended advantage that the benefit formula provided to persons receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment. After 1983, the new formula reduced social security benefits for individuals who did not pay entirely into the social security system. Most low-wage earners have little savings or pensions, and therefore rely totally on Social Security. The WEP formula, however, does not differentiate between workers in low-paid jobs and workers in non-Social Security-covered jobs. There are presently two WEP related bills pending before the 107th Congress. H.R. 848, introduced by Representative Max Sandlin (D-TX), would eliminate the WEP completely and H.R. 1073 introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), exempts monthly combined pension and Social Security benefits up to $2,000, and graduates the implementation of the provision for any amount over $2,000. Many workers now live longer and work longer than previous generations. As a result, many government retirees continue to work after retirement and earn significant income on which they pay Social Security tax. While I do not support an outright repeal of the provision, I believe graduating the provision is much more fair and will allow deserving retirees to take advantage of benefits due them. Accordingly, I have cosponsored H.R. 1073 and will fight for its passage. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future on matters of importance to you and your family.