Dear Editor,
The Central Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel opposes Governor Brownback’s decision to raid 40.7 million dollars that was appropriated to reduce the unfunded liability for KPERS and use the money to help fund the budget deficit which was created by the reduction of personal income and corporate taxes. The Governor’s desire to “short fund” KPERS once again starts the underfunding cycle.  This is another broken promise...employees pay more, but the legislature continues to fail to meet their obligation. In 10 years the 40.7 million dollar underfunding will amount to, if compounded annually at 8%, $90,339,358.00. This one action directly affects the future viability of KPERS.
We encourage the Governor and the legislature to restore the 40.7 million dollars to KPERS to illustrate that they support the state workers, the county workers, the fire fighters and the teachers who are vital to the functioning to the state. Without these people the state cannot grow and thrive. KPERS needs to be left alone and the changes that were enacted in 2012 should be allowed to take full effect.  
Sally O’Connor, President, CKARSP
Dolores Baker
Becky Dudrey
Rose Kelly
Jari Marietta