With all of the misinformation being spread about the Pension Reform package, you also deserve to hear what they're not telling you. It's time to set the record straight.
As many have recognized, #SB151 does NOT affect current retired teachers. Our legislators listened to the concerns of the constituents. Period.
Being told the cap on the number of sick days that can be used to calculate retirement benefits violates the invioable contract? According to Beshear appointed TRS Exec. Director, Beau Barnes, it is NOT a violation. See for yourself! trs.ky.gov/wp-content/upl…
So @AndyBeshearKY can go ahead with a political lawsuit AGAIN, but even his dad's own KTRS appointee disagrees. trs.ky.gov/wp-content/upl…
So while you're spreading lies for political gain, we'd like to get back to educating folks on this important piece of legislation that affects us all.
Want the truth - Take a look at this piece from @KYWhitney. whitneyhwesterfield.com/blog/pensionre…
.@KYWhitney: “Senate Bill 151 does not change, reduce, or remove cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retired teachers, and no public employee is forced into a 401(k)-style plan. Teachers are not required to stay in the classroom any longer before they can retire.”
.@KYWhitney: “no teacher will ever lose a sick day and he or she will not be forced to retire to use their existing sick days for retirement. Teachers will still be able to cash-in sick days earned after January 1, 2019 at retirement and receive a check for them.”
A professor of education at WKU put in perspective why this bill needed to be passed: “You're either going to stop kicking the can and do something, or you're going to let a broken system continue to spiral out of control.” schoolleader.typepad.com/school-leader/…
As for the changes made for future teachers, a hybrid cash balance plan was put in place to preserve the long term viability of our pension system. And protections were put in place to ensure those future teachers wouldn't be hurt by a downturn in the market.
And the best part? If a teacher decides to leave, they can take their plan with them. It's completely portable! Yes, that IS a significant change, but one that is undeniably positive for teachers!
Finally, as for pension funding. Since @GovMattBevin has taken office, he’s made it a priority to FULLY FUND KTRS. And that promise has been kept. Just take a look at this graphic to see the difference between a Beshear administration and Gov. Bevin. 
The GA has continued to do everything in their power to ensure our teachers, the people who are preparing the future leaders of the world, have the retirement they deserve. They are trying to save the pension system because they respect and appreciate teacher's commitment to KY.
