Ending the Marriage Penalty for Disabled Individuals

I understand that the current marriage penalty creates significant challenges for individuals on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and others with disabilities. No one should have to choose between love and financial stability, especially regarding essential healthcare needs.

My plan is to advocate for reforms that eliminate the marriage penalty by adjusting eligibility criteria and benefit calculations for SSDI recipients. This would ensure that married couples do not face a reduction in benefits simply due to their marital status. We must create a system that allows individuals with disabilities to build meaningful relationships without the fear of losing vital support.

Additionally, I will work towards enhancing access to affordable healthcare and prescription medications for all disabled individuals, ensuring that financial concerns do not dictate personal choices. By addressing these issues, we can uphold the dignity of every person while promoting stability and love in our communities.

Windfall Elimination Provision

I firmly believe that all Americans, especially those who have dedicated their careers to public service, deserve the full Social Security benefits they have rightfully earned. The windfall elimination provision (WEP) and the government pension offset (GPO) unfairly penalize retired federal, state, and local government employees, including police officers, firefighters, educators, and postal workers, by reducing their Social Security benefits. This is not only unjust but also a disservice to those who have committed their lives to serving our communities.

I wholeheartedly support the Social Security Fairness Act, introduced by Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and this district’s current incumbent Garrett Graves (R-LA), that seeks to repeal these two controversial provisions. The bill has garnered significant bipartisan support, including formal endorsement from the House Problem Solvers Caucus and 320 cosponsors from both parties. This broad coalition underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this issue.

It is time to right this wrong and ensure that our public servants receive the Social Security benefits they have earned and deserve.