Gov. Matt Bevin said Kentucky teachers who are protesting cuts to benefits are having a “temper tantrum.”
In an interview Wednesday with a Kentucky television station, Bevin talked about the protests over the state’s battle with pension reform. He said if the protesting teachers get what they wish for, they will not have a pension system for the younger teachers who are still working. He called that stance “selfish” and “shortsighted.”
Last week, a bill cutting benefits for retired public school teachers cleared a hurdle in the General Assembly in the face of protests from educators chanting “Vote them out!” The proposed measure cuts annual cost-of-living raises for retired teachers from 1.5 percent to 1.0 percent.
The bill’s backers say it would save approximately $3.2 billion over the next 20 years for the state’s failing public pension system.
According to a report earlier this week, the bill does not yet have the votes necessary to become law.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
