WKMS News has added the following to this story for clarification: In addressing his position on the bill- prior to its release Friday night- Imes said “I think if the Governor had his wishes, if the bill was ready, we’d go into session on Monday. We have to go up there if he calls us, by virtue of the Constitution, but once we get up there on day one- if I don’t feel like I’ve had time to study that bill and be halfway prepared to vote on that bill and come back here and tell you why I voted the way I did, then I’d make a motion to adjourn the session and come back home.” In an email to WKMS, Imes further clarified “I wouldn’t vote for the bill if I didn’t have sufficient time and opportunity to read it in advance. Inasmuch as at that time (when I was speaking to the group) I had not yet seen the bill.”
10-27 Republican State Representative Kenny Imes says he would vote against Governor Matt Bevin’s proposed pension reform plan if a special session were called in the immediate future.
Imes discussed the proposal with state workers Friday in Murray. He says he doesn’t know enough about the bill to make an informed vote on it -- and would have preferred to tackle tax reform before working on pension reform.
He says while he wouldn’t support violent or disruptive protests, he suggested state workers make their opinions known in Frankfort.
“It doesn’t bother me none if ya’ll come up there and hold signs and demonstrate- and I’m not necessarily encouraging that, but you’re going to have to get more vociferous.” Imes said.
When asked about what action police officers could take to make their opinions known, Imes suggested they reach out to other police departments and encourage them to also contact their local representatives.
Local teachers and police officers said new employees won't be incentivised to work in their fields if the current reform bill passes.
Imes says he understands their concerns and expects the bill will garner lawsuits. He also argued that the current system is unsustainable and that there has to be a change.
This story has been updated as of 10-29-17.
