Kentucky Teachers Protest as Pension, Budget Debated

An estimated 10,000 Kentucky teachers protested what they call an “attack on education"—a pension overhaul and state budget they say makes Kentucky less competitive in recruiting talented teachers.

The April 2 protest, filled with teachers who called in sick or were on spring break vacation, crowded the halls and filled outdoor areas around the capital in Lexington. Chants could be heard all day while senators debated the state budget funding teachers’ pensions and education services.

Teacher representatives led the rally to protest a pension overhaul passed rapidly March 29 that would place new state workers in a cash-balance retirement plan ...