It comes down to a decades-long funding shortfall the Legislature created — and only the Legislature can fix. With 346,000+ members, we're roughly 12% of Kansas voters.

That's real influence, if we use it.
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Read the full breakdown — what happened, what it's cost retirees, and what you can do.

You've likely seen or heard about the upcoming vote on how Kansas Supreme Court justices are chosen. This is a major decision for Kansas voters, and it's worth understanding before you head to the polls. We've built a clear, simple guide to help you understand the proposed constitutional amendment and make an informed choice.

Highlights:

• How does the system work today, and how would it change? Key takeaways - Learn more
• How did we get here? The history behind the current system - Learn more
• How does a merit-based system work? - Learn more
• Don't Kansans already vote for judges? - Learn more
• What is the Kansas Supreme Court responsible for? - Learn more
• Why does this matter to you? - Learn more​

Alan Conroy, Executive Director of KPERS, provides a fascinating overview of KPERS. 

Highlights from this overview:

• Current and historical performance data
• Investment data
• Active Membership information
• Retirees and benefits by each county in the state

There is a very competitive primary race for Governor of Kansas and all seats in the House of Representatives are up for election. Electing candidates that support a COLA is imperative if we hope to have bills heard in committee. We all must turn our attention to the primary election on August 4, 2026. Our coalition partners will be interviewing candidates and making recommendations. 

Update: New dates for tabling coming soon!

KCPR has reserved a table at the Capitol to visit with legislators and visitors. We will be providing information, COLA buttons, and postcards to use to contact committee legislators. Currently February 4 and 18 are available for volunteer signup. 

​SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

KPERS retirees will be receiving a mailing from KPERS Board of Trustees detailing steps they are taking to prevent a delay of your 2025 1099-R. If you would like to get your KPERS 1099-R online, they will be available in mid-January on the KPERS website.

Last year, some did not receive their 2024 1099-R on time. KPERS tracks the bulk mailing of 110,000 pieces and knows they sat in a Kansas City USPS facility for two weeks and some retirees did not receive them until March.

Beginning in 2026, when you call KPERS, additional staff will be available to answer your questions about your 1099-R.

Local elections are very important and we need to be informed voters. These elections are nonpartisan and impact your local schools, cities, and communities. Visit your Secretary of State's website to view your ballot. (Kansas, Missouri)

​The outcome of the committee was as positive as we have seen in recent years. They can only make recommendations in their report back to the legislature.

• Recommendation of $500 million contribution be made to the KPERS Trust Fund to reduce the unfunded liability.
• Recommendation that a COLA for KPERS members be studied.
• Recommendation that the DROP program be considered as an option for School members.

Approximately 20 retirees from KNEA Retired, KARSP, and the KCPR Steering Committee attended.  Consensus from attendees and several legislators was retiree attendance positively impacted the outcome.

After an hour and a half presentation on SB282 ("KRISP Bill") the committee conducted no further discussion on the bill and no recommendations were made. 

The DROP program was instituted for the Kansas Highway Patrol to bolster their retention and recruitment several years ago. It then expanded to include KBI and KP&F. The legislature’s acceptance of the program was due to being cost neutral to KPERS. Qualifiers for participation in DROP limits the number of participants.

There are two major concerns about adding School to DROP:

• Substantial numbers of participants would lead to dramatically increasing administrative costs.
• How does the continuing contract policy for educators impact their ability to participate?

​Again, thanks to all who attended!

When: October 14, 2025 at 9:00am
Where: Kansas State Capitol, 201 SW 8th Ave, Room 582-N (5th floor north), Topeka, KS 66603
What: Joint Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Benefits is having a hearing to discuss KPERS updates. View committee roster
Agenda: Available on the Kansas Legislature website, please review in advance.
Note: At 1:30pm there will be a discussion about SB282 and Defined Benefit vs Defined Contribution retirement plans.

​Our KPERS partner provided an easy to understand summary of SB282.