Democracy Dies in Darkness

Kentucky teachers shut down multiple school systems, in uproar over pension bill

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March 30, 2018 at 7:33 p.m. EDT
Whitney Walker, second left, and Tracy Kurzendoerfer protest outside the office of of Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) on March 30 in Frankfort. Walker and Kurzendoerfer, teachers in Fayette County, called in sick on Friday to protest a bill lawmakers passed late Thursday that makes changes to the state's pension system. (Adam Beam/AP)

Multiple school systems in Kentucky were forced to close Friday, as teacher absences soared amid growing protest over legislation that educators say would strike a blow to pension plans.

Teachers from across the state descended on the capitol in Frankfort, outraged about what they described as a surprise move to pass legislation their union said Friday would mean existing employees pay more for pension benefits and new hires don’t get the same plan that previous generations relied on.