CMERA Chronicles – December 2024

WEP Update

On April 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Social Security Reform Act.  This legislation created the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).  It also finalized several amendments to the 1977 Government Pension Offset (GPO) rule that was first approved by Presidient Carter but delayed until 1983.  Because of these provisions, if you receive a government pension AND are eligible for Social Security, the amount of the Social Security benefit is reduced.  If you are not eligible for Social Security, then the WEP and GPO do not apply. 

Is this reduction fair?  There are two sides to the issue.  Some will say that if you work for the minimum amount of time and pay into Social Security, you should receive your full Social Security benefits when you retire like everyone else.  Others will say that receiving two pensions (government and Social Security) is unfair and one’s Social Security should be reduced or eliminated.  Which position is fair?

Over the years, there have been attempts to modify or repeal the WEP and GPO.  Until recently, those attempts have not been successful.  A bill introduced into the current Congress to repeal WEP and GPO has been approved by the House of Representatives.  It now must go to the Senate for their approval.  If approved, Presidient Biden must sign the law to become effective. 

Time for approval is very short.  The entire process must be completed before the holiday recess.  Old legislation cannot be considered with a new Congress.   A new Congress and President take over in January and the entire process must begin again.  It is not known how or if the new Congress will view the WEP or GPO.  Maybe the holiday spirit will move Congress and the President to act soon.

Dear Santa

All I want for Christmas is:

  • Elimination of the WEP and GPO
  • More active CMERA members
  • Resolution of outstanding issues related to the Collaborative Settlement Agreement (CSA)
  • Rejection of the Futures Commission recommendation related to CRS’s transfer to OPERS.
  • Successful CMERA General Meeting on May 12, 2025
  • Cherry pie for my birthday  Another birthday !
  • Peace on earth

Executive Committee Changes

At the November meeting of the Executive Committee, the following position changes were approved effective immediately:

  • Steve Dietrich resigned as Vice President
  • Kathy Rahtz resigned as Sargeant-At-Arms
  • Steve Dietrich was appointed to serve as Treasurer
  • Kathy Rahtz was appointed to serve as Vice Presidient

Futures Commission

“We are not currently entertaining any potential mergers with any other Ohio retirement systems.”  This statement was on Page 1 of the Fall newsletter sent to members of OPERS.  While the City has been silent about the recommendation that would transfer our pension to OPERS, it seems the folks at OPERS have taken a position. 

Cathy Cordes

Cathy Cordes recently resigned her position as a Director for CMERA.  She has been assisting our organization for years.  I, and the entire Governing Board ,thank her for her service.

Holiday Gift Idea

If you are looking for a gift for a long time Cincinnati resident, consider the new book: To Coney With Love.  It is a collection of memories about Coney Island.  The stories and pictures were assembled and published by two former employees of Coney.  I was honored to have a story that I wrote included in the book.  It is available on Amazon and at some local bookstores.  (No, I do not get a commission from the sale of the book.)

The Spring 2025 General Meeting

The Spring General Meeting will be on May 10, 2025, at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, Reading Road and Linton Avenue.  Social hour starts at 9:00 a.m.

Happy Holidays

Until next month

Note: The statements and opinions expressed in the CMERA Chronicles are my own (Chuck Cullen) and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.