© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Beshear Proposes Pension Relief For Cities, Counties

Thanks To Lisa Autry, Kentucky Public Radio/WKYU, Bowling Green

As Kentucky faces a budget deficit of more than $450 million, cities and counties are grappling with their own revenue shortfalls.In Frankfort Tuesday, Governor Steve Beshear announced a proposal that would allow cities and counties to spread out their pension contributions over ten years rather than the currently required five years."It will save or provide immediate relief to cities and counties of about $37.5 million for the next fiscal year that they can use to balance their budgets and perhaps not have to cut as many of the services as they otherwise would have to during this economic downturn," Beshear said.But Mike Burnside, executive director of Kentucky Retirement Systems, believes Beshear's plan would cost local governments more than it saves, and would undermine some of the pension reforms approved by lawmakers this year.The proposal will be debated during next month's Kentucky General Assembly.   

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.

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.