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Legislative Leaders Say Pensions Will Be Top Legislative Issue

Courtesy of Commonwealth of Kentucky

The next legislative session begins on January 8, and lawmakers say fixing the state's flailing pension systems will be their top priority.

A legislative task force has suggested several ways to shore up state employee pensions, but passing legislation and paying for it will be tough.

Lawmakers have proposed everything from relying on existing economic growth to raising taxes.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he hasn't settled on a solution.

“I think it’s going to require some sort of a dedicated funding source that is set aside just for the payment of those particular benefits," Stumbo said.

Some have proposed legalizing gambling and using the revenues for pensions, but both Stumbo and Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer say that's unlikely.

Kenny Colston is the Frankfort Bureau Chief for Kentucky Public Radio (a collaborative effort of public radio stations in Kentucky). Colston has covered Kentucky's Capitol and state government since 2010. He is a Louisville native, and a graduate of the University of Kentucky. When he's not tracking down stories about Kentucky politics, you can often find him watching college sports, particularly football.
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