Almost 25 years ago I stood in front of my colleagues at the National Education Association Representative Assembly to fund efforts to repeal two unfair Social Security provisions — the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision, called the Social Security Offset.

Over 10,000 NEA members from all 50 states voted to support this initiative, making it a priority for the NEA, the Maine Education Association, and many other labor movement members since.

For decades, my colleagues and I have lobbied in Washington, sent countless letters, shared our stories, testified at public hearings, attended rallies, wrote letters to the editor and faced disappointment year after year — but we didn’t give up.

Our efforts caught the attention of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who heard us loud and clear. In 2003 she first authored and sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act; she has been working on this issue alongside us since. I am grateful for Sen. Collins’ persistence and dedication to repealing these unfair provisions. We simply would not be here without her.

The repeal of the GPO and WEP will have a profound impact on retired educators, public service worker and future retirees, ensuring they receive the benefits they have rightfully earned. My goal was to get this fixed during my lifetime, and it is overwhelming to know that after decades of disappointment, it is finally done.

Crystal Ward, MEA retired, Lewiston

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