Cantwell, Thune: Tribal Leaders Deserve Equal Access to Social Security

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the “Tribal Social Security Fairness Act” to correct a long-standing inequity in the Social Security Act that prevents elected tribal leaders from contributing to and accessing Social Security benefits. The bill would allow tribal governments to “opt-in” to Social Security, pay the related taxes, and receive the retirement program’s benefits.

Tribal populations are at a significant disadvantage in preparing for retirement. On average, tribal communities face lower wages and higher rates of disability than other populations, which limits the future income they can count on from retirement plans.

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