The Kentucky Democratic Party is denouncing a letter sent to state lawmakers that suggests pensions for teachers and other public sector employees are too generous.
The Lexington Herald-Leader first reported that the letter came from a group of wealthy Kentucky business leaders and Republican activists.
It stated that any pension reform this session must include moving all future employees from a defined benefits system to a defined contribution system.
The letter notes that the private sector switched its workers to 401-K-style plans decades ago.
Brad Bowman is a spokesman for the Kentucky Democratic Party. He said pension reform shouldn’t come from a demand letter, but from constituent feedback.
"Those lawmakers need to step and figure out a way to work together for a return on investment for Kentuckians and not for an outside agenda." Bowman said.
Governor Bevin released a proposal last fall that would move future hires, but lawmakers rejected the governor’s plan after the public outcry from their home districts.
Nearly halfway through the legislative session, House and Senate leaders say they’re not ready to file a pension bill of their own.
