Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today highlighted changes made in recent years to strengthen KPERS, the pension plan for state and local employees. But the governor had little to say when asked if he’d push for further reforms. Brownback has supported moving the state from a pension to a 401(k)-style plan, where workers are responsible for managing their own retirement investments. When asked if that's still his preference, Brownback would only say that he is reviewing the matter.
“We’re always doing that. I think we’ve made a large amount of progress. We’ll continue to review policy options, but I’m pleased with the direction we’re headed,” says Brownback.
Mark Desetti, with the Kansas National Education Association, says he hopes the state will follow through with the KPERS policies enacted in recent years and not pursue any major changes.