Educators preparing to deliver petitions to Governor Sam Brownback's office. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
Educators from Johnson County delivered thousands of signatures to the governor’s office and lawmakers today (THUR), asking them not to change the state’s public pension plan. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would change the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The proposal would eliminate the pension plan for new state and local government workers. Georann (JORE-ann) Whitman is a vocal music teacher in Spring Hill. She says a guaranteed pension is an important benefit to help attract people to the career.
The proposal would put new hires and some current employees into a 401(k)-style plan, where workers manage their own retirement investments. The current pension plan guarantees retirement payments, based on a worker’s salary and years of service.