The Kentucky General Assembly is, once again, tackling pension issues affecting thousands of employees across the Commonwealth. Friday, the Kentucky Senate put its stamp on modifications for pensions at public universities and many quasi agencies.
Northern Kentucky Senator and Budget Committee Chair Chris McDaniel told his colleagues the measure assigns liability by employer rather than putting them into the retirement system as a whole. “Entities will actually pay what they owe for their employees and their retirees rather than spread it across the entire system,” said McDaniel
McDaniel said an appeal process for employers is included in the bill. Crofton Senator Whitney Westerfield expressed concern that future general assemblies could opt not to fund state subsidies for these entities. “We’re not all going to be here in 30 years, I’m sure not. But, future general assemblies are going to have to make this commitment and keep it, every single time, until this is done,” noted Westerfield.
The quasi agencies covered in the bill include county health departments, rape crisis centers, and children advocacy centers. The bill now goes back to the House to consider Senate changes.
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