Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Senate has adopted a resolution proposed by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford) encouraging the protection and expansion of Social Security benefits for pubic service employees.

Senate Resolution 85 encourages and supports action by the United States Congress to repeal or reduce the effects of the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision provisions of the Social Security Act. These provisions reduce Social Security benefits of certain public service employees who are entitled to benefits from their public retirement systems. Individuals who devoted a majority of their working years to public service, including educators, police officers, and firefighters, are also penalized by these provisions.

"The hard working people of our state who spend years serving the public deserve the full Social Security benefits which they have earned," said Senator Frerichs. "It is unfortunate to think that benefit provisions at the federal level such as these can leave our public retirees facing poverty after years of work."

A copy of Senate Resolution 85 will be sent to President George W. Bush and each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.