Area Legislators React To House Passage Of Pension Plan

The Kentucky House of Representatives narrowly passed Governor Matt Bevin’s pension-relief proposal by a 52-46 vote Monday. Although area legislators agree the pension bill is not perfect, they say it will provide some relief to the quasi-agencies and universities until a better plan can be implemented next year.

Eighth District State Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville says he was a big supporter of this bill because the agencies needed some different direction to be able to stay viable and not close their doors. He adds the bill passed Monday implements a freeze for a year.

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He notes this gives them some time to work on the bill when the Kentucky General Assembly meets in early 2020.

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Ninth District State Representative Myron Dossett says he also voted yes in order to allow them to come back next year to make changes. He notes Democrats have also proposed a plan, but he adds he will not support any legislation that led to the current problems they face.

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When legislators return in January, Dossett adds they will continue to make changes to tax reform to build a tax base to generate additional revenue and move the state forward to meet their obligations.Fourth District State Representative Lynn Bechler says he voted yes because the issue that concerned him the most was the people who are employed by quasi-agencies who are dropping out of the system and the people who have lost their jobs. He says the pension bill passed Monday buys them a little more time until they can come up with a pension bill everyone can support.

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In addition, Fifth District State Representative Larry Elkins voted yes. He notes most are in agreement this is not the perfect bill but it does provide some temporary relief for the agencies and Murray State University.

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Elkins says the bill passed by the House Monday had some good and bad things but it provides the entities and legislators some additional time to make further improvements to the pension system.