23 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Retired state of Kansas workers gathered at the Capitol today to lobby for an update to their retirement benefits.
The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) includes all of the state’s public sector workers, like teachers and firefighters. The last time they saw a benefit increase was 1997.
Retired president of the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) Bob Thesman says a change is overdue.
“There hasn’t been a cost-of-living adjustment for 27 years,” Thesman said. “The teachers (who) retired 27 years ago are getting the same amount of money they got 27 years ago. So we’re here to advocate for consideration for a cost of living adjustment.”
Representatives from the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel were also in attendance.
They say the lack of support for public workers is contributing to the teacher shortage the state is currently facing.
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