April 27, 2023

Chair's Corner


Thank you all for attending the WEP Global event “Americans Abroad - How to Stop it Hurting Retirement Plans” with Nancy Altman on April 1st. It was successful, and we all learned a lot about the workings of Social Security and WEP. 

During the past 2 weeks we have learned that Representative Abigail Spanberger (Democrat, Virginia, 7th District) launched a survey to hear from folks impacted by the WEP and GPO. The reason that Rep. Spanberger is putting out this survey is to collect hardship stories from those affected by WEP/GPO that she can use when she speaks on this bill to Congress and to the press. 

She is looking for real life examples of who is affected. These stories are an effective tool for her. They will give her leverage. They also help everyone understand who is affected. 

We have written to her legal advisor to say that we will be asking you, our DA members, to complete her survey, and to add your stories. (When they ask for information, you can add your voting district’s zip code, etc.) 

So please, everyone fill in her survey and say you are from Democrats Abroad at: 

Have the WEP and GPO affected your Social Security Benefits?

— Betsy Ettorre, Chair of the Seniors Caucus