(JUNEAU) - The Alaska State Senate passed HJR 30 yesterday, calling on the United States Congress to address two provisions in the Social Security Act. HJR 30, sponsored by Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), passed both the House of Representatives and Senate unanimously.

HJR 30 was written to address the calculations used to determine Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that a public pension in Alaska is a "windfall" and consequently subtracts up to 60% from the Alaskan retiree's Social Security benefit check. The second provision is the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The GPO reduces public employees' Social Security survivor benefits by 100% for many Alaskans.

Representative Gatto said, "I'm pleased to report that we've had an open dialogue with our Congressional delegation, and have received positive feedback on the issue. I hope that our Washington counterparts can garner the same support in Congress that we've experienced in the Legislature."

He went on to say, "We make this request of Congress on behalf of the many retired firemen, police officers, educators and other public employees who should not be penalized for years of dedication and public service."

The Resolution now awaits transmission to the Governor.

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