SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1292        FILED ON: 1/16/2015

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1357

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Ryan C. Fattman

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a commission on GPO/WEP alternatives.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1292        FILED ON: 1/16/2015

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1357

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court
(2015-2016)

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An Act establishing a commission on GPO/WEP alternatives.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

There is hereby established a special commission to examine the effects of Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset within the Congressional Social Security Act on employees who are members of a Massachusetts contributory retirement system.  Said commission is hereby authorized and directed to examine possible changes in state statues regarding a public employees’ ability to recoup benefits lost due to the GPO/WEP through the expansion of the Massachusetts Deferred Compensation Save Money and Retire Tomorrow Plan or a municipal savings plan.

Additionally the special commission shall develop an education plan on Social Security offset programs and their effects on employees who are members of a Massachusetts contributory retirement system.  The special commission shall consist of the co-chairs of the joint committee on Public Service, 2 members of the senate, 1 member of the senate to be appointed by the minority leader, 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 member of the house of representatives to be appointed by the minority leader, the Treasurer and Receiver General or his/her designee, and five members appointed by the governor with expertise in revenue issues.

The special commission shall submit a report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, and the chief justice of the supreme judicial court setting forth the special commission’s findings, along with its recommendations and specific legislative proposals, no later than one year after the special commission’s appointment.  Appointments shall take places within 3 months of enactment.  The special commission shall dissolve upon completion of its duties and obligations, as indicated by submission of its findings and recommendations.