News

Your union newsletter November 13, 2024!

Posted Nov. 13, 2024 by

OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / November 13, 2024

 

House passes Social Security Fairness Act; urge Senate to do the same!

Yesterday, in a 327-75 vote, the House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), legislation that would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The legislation aims to repeal the WEP and GPO which reduce Social Security benefits for those who spent portions of their careers in state and local government or other positions where their earnings weren’t subject to Social Security taxes. This vote came about as the result of bipartisan support when 218 members of the House signed a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill.

 

Now it's time for the Senate to act to pass the Social Security Fairness Act!

 

Tell your Senator to finish the job and pass this bipartisan bill before the new session starts. The Social Security Fairness Act now has 62 bipartisan co-sponsors, which is more than enough votes to overcome a filibuster—a procedural hurdle that can block legislation from receiving a vote in Senate.

 

Tell the Senate to pass the Social Security Fairness Act. Call your Senator now! 

 

WHAT IS WEP & GPO?

Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduces Social Security benefits for workers who receive pensions from federal, state or
local government for employment not covered by Social Security.

Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces Social Security benefits for the spouses, widows or widowers whose spouses receive pensions from federal, state or local government.

Script:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a public service retiree/employee in [CITY]. I’m calling to urge you to pass the Social Security Fairness Act because GPO and WEP have been penalizing retirees for too long. As a public servant yourself, you surely agree that Americans shouldn’t be punished for choosing careers serving their communities. But that’s exactly what GPO and WEP do to public service retirees. Some retirees have seen our benefits cut to ZERO. So please, pass the Social Security Fairness Act to show you stand with proud public employees. Thank you for your time.

 

Veterans Day: Honoring those who serve

Click below to see photos from the annual OCSEA Veterans Conference, including the recipients of OCSEA's Veterans of the Year Awards.

 

Apply for the AFSCME Family Scholarship by Dec. 31

Looking for financial support for college?  Each year the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides ten $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors that will be renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. The scholarship may be used for any field of study.

 

This scholarship is eligible to the dependents of OCSEA dues-paying members. THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2024. Learn how to apply HERE.

 

Complete applications and all support documentation (essay, transcripts, letters of recommendation, optional SAT or ACT scores, proof of AFSCME membership, etc.) must be mailed together in one envelope, postmarked no later than December 31, 2024.

 

Discount member-only winter fun is available right now!

Columbus Zoo Wildlights

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Central Ohio with millions of dazzling LED zoo lights, animated musical light shows, and festive activities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! 2024 Wildlights tickets are on sale now.

2024 Wildlights Experience Bundle
This year, save even more with the exclusive Wildlights experience bundle. Get admission, hot chocolate, s’mores & parking for only $24.99!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Username: CIVIL
Password: OCSEA11

Kings Island Winterfest

Kings Island transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland at Cincinnati’s premier holiday event, WinterFest! With more than seven million lights, ice skating at the Royal Fountain, dazzling entertainment, delicious seasonal treats and more, winter magic is spread throughout the park!

WinterFest offers something for everyone, beginning each night with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony where the Eiffel Tower transforms into a stunning 314-foot-tall Christmas tree. And don't miss the WinterFest Wonderland Parade.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Username: KIAFSCME
Password: KINGSISLAND

 

Labor Gives Back 2024! What's on your chapter's charitable giving agenda?

We all need some good news and goodwill in our lives right now. It's time to spread the good word. Tell us how your chapter OR a member of your chapter plans to give back to your community this holiday season! Email us HERE so we can spread the word about your labor gives back efforts. Please send photos if possible!

 

Union-Made Thanksgiving: