As the 2019 General Assembly winds down, we hope a new day of collaboration is ahead. I know that by working collaboratively, retired teachers, legislators and other education groups can accomplish great things.
Collaboration has worked well in the past, and I am confident it will work well in the future to help protect the financial security of retired teachers and the future of public education in our state. When we work together, we can relieve the anxiety of retirees and protect the profession we all care about deeply.
We’ve seen evidence of collaboration this year, and I’m hopeful we can continue this approach as we move forward on our legislative priorities that remain unchanged. We are focused on:
Thank you again for your tireless advocacy throughout the session. Your visits, calls, emails, and most importantly the positive, respectful relations you have built with your legislators have made a real difference.
During the session HB 525, a bill that would have restructured the TRS Board of Trustees, did not pass. HB 58, a bill restoring the tax exemptions for retirees back to $41,110, passed the house committee unanimously and the House floor 94-0. However, there is not enough time in the remaining days of the session for that measure to make its way through two Senate readings. We will try again next year on this issue while remaining focused on all of our legislative priorities.
During the interim, remember to thank your legislators for hearing our voices and supporting the retired teachers of Kentucky. Please also encourage legislators to work collaboratively to reach common-sense solutions to the challenges that face our great Commonwealth. And encourage them to use real numbers – without the rhetoric – and to continue considering all voices. This is how we move forward.
Great progress was made this session on restoring trust. Let’s keep that going.
With thanks, Tim Abrams
KRTA Executive Director