Kentucky pension bill offers relief to community agencies

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation meant to provide relief for frontline community social services agencies that have struggled with rising pension costs. Beshear says by changing the pension formula, the bill aims to safeguard essential services. Some services were at risk of cutbacks because the agencies had faced surging pension contribution rates. Beshear said Tuesday the bill gives more time for these agencies to pay their pension obligation, which in turn means more services are available. The bill garnered bipartisan support in the legislature. Its sponsors included Republican Rep. Jim DuPlessis.