Tulsa Standard

Representative Kevin Hern of Oklahoma's 1st District has expressed his support for HR 5342, known as the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act. This legislation aims to address issues related to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which has been a point of contention for many.

Rep. Hern emphasized the need for fairness in dealing with the WEP without reducing funds from Social Security. "It’s no secret that the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) needs a fix to ensure fairness without cutting funds from Social Security and further damaging a program that needs urgent attention," said Rep. Hern.

He believes that this bill offers a "fair and accurate fix" to the current problems associated with the WEP. Rep. Hern noted his discussions with constituents in Oklahoma who are directly affected by this legislation, stating, "I’ve spoken to many Oklahomans who are impacted by this legislation directly, and I believe this bill is the right step forward on this issue."

The passage of HR 5342 represents an effort to bring equitable treatment to public servants affected by existing provisions while maintaining the integrity of Social Security funding.