Question #1 -  Would you support equitable treatment of all public employees of the State?  

Facts/Rationale relating to Question #1:
   Of the four Kansas Defined Contribution Plans, two are voluntary and two have mandatory employer (State of Kansas ) contributions.  The State (as employer) has and is contributing 8.5% to each member of the Regents Retirement Plan (University faculty and Administrators).
   Also the State (as employer) has and is contributing 8% to certain state officials, legislative session employees, and legislative staff who chose this retirement plan over KPERS.
   During the 2011 legislative session the House adopted HB 2333 which set the States contribution for future teachers, state employees, fireman, policeman, etc at 3%.

Question #2 -  Would you support a plan (bond issue) to as quickly as possible replenish funds to KPERS that were not paid by previous legislatures (1962-2003)?  

Facts/Rationale relating to Question #2:
   On January 21, 1998, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Jack L. Hawn of KPERS sent a letter to the Legislative Research Dept. setting out the State of Kansas (employer) contribution to KPERS from 1962 through FY 1997. 
   Two quotes generate question #2:.
   “On only one occasion (FY 1977) have they (State of Kansas ) paid more than KPERS employees."
   "Had the State exactly matched employees' four percent contribution ... the fund would be $2.89 billion better off than it actually was at the end of 1977." (The additional growth that would have accumulated from 1977 to present has not been calculated, but would have appreciated to much more!)

Question #3 -  Would you support a hardship adjustment to retirees who have seen their buying power decrease as much as 40%?  

Facts/Rationale relating to Question #3:
   Kansas retirees have not had a raise for 14 years.  The monthly benefit received today is the same that was received on July 1, 1997.

Question #4 – It has been 12 years since a KPERS COLA was enacted.  Will you offer or support a bill for a KPERS COLA in the 2012 Legislative Session?  

Facts/Rationale relating to Question 4:

  As mentioned Kansas retirees have not had a raise since July 1, 1997.  If the State of Kansas mandates a DC plan for new hires and removes their contributions to the Trust Fund… Do you think there would ever be funds for a positive benefit adjustment?

Question #5 -  Should the State support a "safety net retirement plan" (DB) or get out of the retirement business with a DC plan?