Kansas Senate to debate proposed public pensions fix

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Kansas Senate is preparing to debate a
plan from its top leader for addressing the long-term funding
problems facing the state pension system.

The proposal from Senate President Steve Morris would require
most teachers and government workers to contribute more money to
their pensions. But it also would increase the state’s annual
contribution to the pension system by $23 million, starting in July
2013.

Many public employees also would get a small boost in their
pensions to compensate for paying more into their pension plans.
Morris said Monday that he expects the Senate to debate a bill
containing his plan this week. The Hugoton Republican is chairman
of a Senate committee that endorsed the plan Friday.
The Kansas Organization of State Employees views the plan as a
reasonable start.