Union workers in school support staff positions from Louisville were among those Wednesday expressing concern about the latest pension reform legislation.
Green clad public employees lined the walls of the tunnel between the capitol annex and the capitol just prior to the start of day’s session.
Ron Richmond with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees hoped the lobbying day influenced lawmakers.
“My only fear is that the initial incarnation of this bill was so horrible that what they are throwing out there today, some people are saying ‘well, it’s not that bad,”’ said Richmond. “But, the reality for our employees though is they’re asking them to take several steps backwards.”
The new pension bill doesn’t place current or future employees or teachers into a defined contribution benefit plan. The bill does place all new non-hazardous employees including teachers into a hybrid cash balance plan with zero guaranteed interest. Such a plan allows for easier plan conversion.
