Kansas Governor Backs Casino Funds for Pension System

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has endorsed a

proposal to use revenues from state-owned casinos to bolster the

long-term financial health of the pension system for teachers and

government workers.

Brownback said in his most recent Statehouse news conference

that a measure to divert some casino revenues to the Kansas Public

Employees Retirement System would help keep the state’s credit

ratings from slipping. The proposal has passed the House in a

larger bill aimed at shoring up KPERS.

The pension system projects an $8.3 billion shortfall between

anticipated revenues and retirement benefits promised to public

employees through 2033. Supporters think casinos could provide

several billion dollars for KPERS over that time.

Kansas has licensed developers to operate casinos in the Dodge

City, Kansas City and Wichita areas.