Peggy Kane's Testimony on Social Security Fairness
November 7, 2007

To: Local Association Presidents
MTA Board Members

From: Anne Wass, MTA President
Paul Toner, MTA Vice President

Subject: Peggy Kane's Testimony on Social Security Fairness

November 6 was a significant day in the fight to repeal two federal
provisions that undermine the retirement security of hundreds of
thousands of educators and others who have dedicated their lives to
public service.

MTA Retired member Margaret "Peggy" Kane, who taught in Medford for 35
years, testified before a Senate subcommittee in support of the Social
Security Fairness Act of 2007, which would repeal both the Government
Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision.

Testifying on behalf of the MTA, Peggy relayed her own personal story
and those of other educators. Peggy is a widow and is unable to
collect survivor benefits because of the GPO.

"This is an issue of fairness," she said. "My husband worked hard and
paid into the Social Security system for many years, yet my family
never saw a dollar."

To date, the MTA has collected more than 50,000 signatures from people
calling for the repeal of the GPO and the WEP. More signatures are
being gathered to send to Congress.

Prior to the hearing yesterday, Peggy joined Senator John F. Kerry,
the subcommittee chair, at a press conference on Capitol Hill.

Peggy did a wonderful job in Washington, and all MTA members have
reason to be proud of her appearance before the subcommittee. Her
activism made a real difference!

For the full story of Peggy's trip to Washington and the MTA's effort
to repeal these harmful government offset provisions, please visit the
following link on the MTA Web site:
http://massteacher.org/news/headlines/headlines_2007-11-06.cfm.