1-09-2025 11:36am

Lebanon Teacher Joins Congressman at White House for the Signing of the Social Security Fairness Act

Beth Callahan Editor

(Contributed photo) Congressman Landsman (OH-01) and Melissa Johnson.

LEBANON, OH -- Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Lebanon School District Teacher Melissa Johnson joined President Biden at the White House as he signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law earlier this week.

Landsman, who played a major role in getting the Social Security Fairness Act passed, and Johnson, a local public school teacher, attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 5.

“We’ve officially fixed a 40-year-old problem that took away critical benefits from our public retirees. Through major efforts, we made this a reality for people like Melissa, who paid their fair share into Social Security and deserve the ability to retire comfortably," explained Landsman adding that, "As a former teacher and child of teachers, I know how long overdue this is for public workers – some of the hardest-working people out there. Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, and wrote in – this victory shows that grassroots advocacy makes a difference.”

The Social Security Fairness Act repeals two unfair provisions that have been slashing benefits from nearlythree million public retirees for over 40 years. It has been introduced in every Congress since 2001. Retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, and letter carriers across the country had been calling congressional offices to pass the bill. In our case, it was Melissa Johnson, a local teacher from Warren County, Landsman noted.

“Helping to pass the Social Security Fairness Act and witnessing the president sign it into law will be an extraordinary moment, showcasing the power of collective effort and unwavering advocacy. Standing at the signing ceremony, I know that I will feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that this moment will resonate for generations to come. It’s a reminder that even small actions can have a profound, lasting impact on society. That’s what our democracy is all about,” explained Johnson before witnessing the bill signing.

In his first year in Congress, Landsman visited the National Archives and saw the discharge petition – a rare congressional procedure used to force a vote – for the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Inspired by the role it played, he made his case to the sponsors of the Social Security Fairness Act, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Congressman Garret Graves, to file a discharge petition for the bill.

Landsman became the third signature on the petition and led the charge to securing the 218 signatures it needed to force a vote. The House passed the bill in November. He then rallied for a Senate vote, which was passed in late December.