From Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeighKentucky House and Senate leaders met privately throughout the day Monday, searching for common ground on state pension reforms.Governor Steve Beshear says a major overhaul of the state’s chronically under-funded pension system could save taxpayers a $500 million dollars per year. He’s hoping legislative leaders can find common ground on pension reforms, so he can call a special session before the end of the month.After hours of private talks with House leaders, Senate President David Williams was optimistic about the possibility of a special session."Hope springs eternal and we’re working in good faith with the House conferees to work through and try to do as much as we possibly can," Williams said.But Williams and House Speaker Jody Richards say more talks are needed and the negotiations will resume next Monday.In the meantime, a 27-member panel studying long-range solutions to state pension system problems is holding its inaugural meeting.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.