Having dedicated over four decades of my life to the building maintenance janitorial business, I often worked unseen during the nighttime hours to ensure America's businesses and workplaces were spotless and ready for the day ahead. It was a life of service, part of a vital industry that functions as the backbone supporting countless businesses across the nation. However, when I reached the age of 65 in 2007 and retired, I was met with a harsh reality—there was no pension waiting for me. Despite diligently paying taxes and never once drawing welfare or unemployment benefits throughout my working years, all I could rely on was social security.

This is not just my story; it is the story of millions of service sector workers who quietly toil away, their contributions often overlooked. The Service Sector Pension and Education Act is essential to remedy this oversight. This proposed legislation aims to ensure that after forty years of dedicated service, workers in the janitorial and similar service industries are guaranteed a pension that reflects their contributions to the American economy.

The janitorial industry, much like other service sectors, employs an invisible workforce that forms the foundation of our economy, ensuring hygiene, safety, and functioning of businesses nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2021, there were approximately 2.3 million janitorial jobs in the United States. Yet, without adequate retirement security, many of these workers face financial difficulties after retirement, which compounds the cycles of poverty and economic disparity.

Passing the Service Sector Pension and Education Act would provide a fair and just solution. By instituting a pension system for these essential workers, we not only acknowledge their invaluable contributions but also provide the dignity of a secure retirement. The Act would also allocate funds towards educational opportunities, allowing workers to advance their skills and potentially move up within their fields.

We must urge lawmakers to recognize and rectify the inequalities present in the retirement systems for service sector workers. It’s time to bring justice to those who have toiled in the shadows. Please join me in signing this petition and make retirement security a reality for every hardworking service sector employee.