Pension-relief bill set for final vote

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s pension-relief proposal is in the final stage from becoming law.

On Tuesday, it took less than two hours before the Senate and Local Government Committee advanced Gov. Bevin’s proposal after Democrats argued the bill would affect employees that’s been counting on their pensions.

The bill now goes to a bigger stage as it heads to the full Senate.

If the bill clears the Senate without any changes, it will go to Gov. Bevin for a final signature.

The proposal focuses on bringing relief for regional universities and quasi-governmental agencies from huge increases in retirement costs. This includes public health departments, community mental health centers and domestic violence shelters.

Senate Minority Floor Leader Morgan McGravey says the bill is a detriment to the system.

” There’s an unfunded liability,” said McGarvey.” We all agree there’s an unfunded liability, but 70 to 75% of that unfunded liability rests with people who are retired.” This bill doesn’t address anything about retirees so it doesn’t change anything about the unfunded liability.”

According to Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, the bill has enough votes to pass on the Senate floor Wednesday.

The full senate will vote on the bill at 9 a.m.

Stay tuned for our continued coverage on ABC 36 News.