The Kentucky legislature has passed public pension reform legislation with just a few days left in the current 2018 session.
Debate on the House and Senate floors was accompanied by almost non-stop protest chanting from current and retired teachers.
The brand new pension bill got committee approval in the early afternoon, House backing a few hours later, and Senate approval late in the night. The 22-15 senate vote got quick reaction from teachers.
Kimberly Evans has taught at Lincoln County High School for 17 years. “Everything that we work for on a daily basis is our entire future. And they treat us as if we are nobody,” said Evans.
The approved measure carries the biggest impact for new hires and does not call for a reduction in cost of living adjustments.
With this new bill, what significant savings are realized are spread out over decades. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer would have like to gone further with reforms. “I would have liked to have done more, but in this chamber, in this body, we have to go with what gets us the votes,” noted Thayer
Thayer said he’s confident Governor Bevin will sign the pension bill into law.
Fayette County School officials announced late last night classes were canceled today due a large percentage of employees indicating they would not be in to work. Some other central Kentucky school districts followed suit.
