To the Editor:

I served the veterans of America working for the federal government for 28 years in Veterans Administration Medical Centers as a research biochemist and administrator recruiting and supporting quality health care providers for our veteran patients. I also served in the U.S. Army. In addition, I worked in the non-federal sector in medical research, doing farm work and wildlife conservation.

When I retired, I was surprised to learn my monthly Social Security benefit would be less than half than that of my colleagues who had never worked for the federal government. This is all because of passage of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by U.S. Congress under the Social Security law.

Throughout my government career, my salary was less than those with comparable jobs in the private sector. I did not leave because of my dedication to support our veterans. But now in retirement, I am subject to a law that is anything but fair and equitable. Also many other government retirees are also suffering from the unfair WEP provision denial of earned Social Security retirement funds. Mine was earned from employment in the private sector for education and to feed and cloth my family. This dramatic reduction in my Social Security is for no other reason than I also worked for the federal government.

Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, would reform the WEP. The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, H.R. 711, recognizes the work I’ve done and the contributions I’ve made, and would adjust Social Security benefits accordingly. Plus it would do so without costing taxpayers a nickel. Please ask your U.S. representatives and senators to support the proposed partial restoration of the retirement support we earned and were later denied.

Dallas Cross

Boise, Idaho