13th Check Benefit Excludes in Final Legislative Approval: Kentucky Retirees Disappointed!

State Workers to Get Raises, Education Gets Boost, but Teachers and Retirees Left Out

3% Raises for State Workers, No Special Raises for Teachers or Extra Payments for Retirees

Kentucky‘s new budget is set to provide 3% pay raises for state workers and some extra money for education, but it doesn’t include special pay raises for teachers or check benefit for retired state employees. The budget bill now heads to Gov. Andy Beshear, who can decide whether to approve it or not.

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13th Check Benefit Excludes in Final Legislative Approval: Kentucky Retirees Disappointed! (PHOTO: The Courier Journal)

Budget Aims for Tax Cuts Amid Criticisms of Neglecting Social Services and Education Funding

The budget, which totals over $100 billion for two years, aims to lower income taxes from 4% to 3.5% by January 2026, according to Sen. Chris McDaniel, who chairs the budget committee. However, critics argue that the budget’s focus on tax cuts neglects the opportunity to use the state’s $3.7 billion savings to improve social services and education. Despite calls for a one-time bonus for retired state workers, known as a “13th check,” the final budget version passed by lawmakers did not include this provision.

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