A bill attacking the long-term funding problems of Kansas' public pension system is close to clearing the Legislature, though some Republicans are disappointed it won't start a 401(k)-style retirement plan for new teachers and government workers.
Legal and policy issues linger on pension legislation as Kansas lawmakers prepare to vote on a compromise plan for attacking the long-term funding problems facing the state retirement system for teachers and government workers.
Republicans in the Kansas House threatened Thursday to block an important unemployment bill favored by business leaders and GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's administration unless the measure also prohibits labor unions from financing political activities with funds deducted from members' paychecks.
Republicans in the Kansas House say they're willing to sink an important unemployment insurance bill to salvage a proposal to prohibit labor unions from using funds deducted from members' paychecks for political activities.