Pension Reform

Click here to view this release as a PDF
LEXINGTON–A report released today by Taxpayers United of America (TUA) reveals that Lexington and Lexington-Fayette County government employees are not only receiving generous salaries, but that over a normal lifetime, many of these government employees when they retire will become pension millionaires. Kentucky bureaucrats refuse to release pension figures, so total pension payouts were estimated* for this report.
Click below to view the pension information:

• Top 100 Pensions for Lexington- Fayette County
• Top 25 Pensions for Fayette County Teachers

“While Lexington-Fayette County taxpayers struggle through this recession with an average wage of $42,000, a median home value of $155,100 and 7.2% unemployment, government employees really rake it in while they are employed and then when retired,” said Christina Tobin, TUA Vice President.
“Starting first with the top 100 salaries and estimated pensions (2010) for Lexington City and Fayette County employees, heading the list is Fire Major Glendon Carlton, whose annual gross wages were $186,560. When he retires, he will receive an estimated annual pension of $123,130. Carlton’s estimated total pension payout over a normal lifetime is $4,925,196.”* (Read more…) →

Click here to view this release as a PDF
CHICAGO – Taxpayers United of America Vice President, Christina Tobin, called on Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to set the standard for transparency by leading his state to release its government pension data.
“I have written a letter to Gov. Beshear, urging him to change the culture of secrecy surrounding government employee pension benefit amounts. He can champion a culture of transparency to ensure honesty and integrity through unlimited public review of all taxpayer funds”.
“I will be in Kentucky next week, releasing pension estimates for government employees.  My first stop will be the Governor’s office to hand deliver the letter.  TUA will hold a press conference on the steps of the Capitol in Frankfort, releasing pension estimates for state and local government employees.”
“Kentucky is one of a few states that interpret its Open Records Act exception regarding personal information to include pension payments.  But as long as taxpayers fund the pensions, they have a right to review them”.
“I have asked Governor Beshear to take the lead in making Kentucky above reproach through complete transparency with public funds.” (Read more…) →