Many KY schools closed as teachers object to new pension law

DAYTON, Ky. (WKRC) - Teacher protests across Kentucky led to the shutdown of many school districts on Friday, including several locally. The teachers called off to protest a pension bill passed last night by the Republican-dominated legislature in Frankfort. Lawmakers pulled what critics call a "bait-and-switch", substituting pension language into a measure originally slated to deal with wastewater treatment. Some schools, like those in Campbell and Gallatin Counties, were flat out closed. There were also no classes in Dayton but teachers did show up to pack and deliver care packages to low-income students. Those packages are normally distributed in school on Fridays. Kentucky's pension system faces a $40 billion shortfall over the next 30 years. Teachers agree something needs to be done, but not what was done last night. "Are the people more upset with what happened or the way it happened or both? I would say both," said Ludlow teacher Cami Young. "Elaborate please? It was slid through late at night, put in with another bill and didn't go along with what we looked for for support." Governor Matt Bevin praised the legislators who voted yes. The measure keeps a cost of living increase for current retirees but cuts benefits for new hires. Attorney General Andy Beshear says the bill is illegal and he will go to court trying to get it thrown out.