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Minutes for SB210 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Providing KPERS membership to certain direct support positions in community developmental disability organizations upon completion of a two-year training period.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 7, 2019
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 210. David Wiese provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Alan Conroy, Executive Director, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, provided neutral testimony on the bill. There are 18 agencies that they believe fall under the definition of this bill. Currently, the employer contributes 6% and the employee contributes 8.89%. If employees leave before 5 years of employment they are not eligible for the employer contribution. Mr. Conroy responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 2)
Colin McKenny, CEO, Starkey, Inc, offered testimony in support of the bill. This bill would allow them to leverage their high employee turnover rate to help benefit those who stay in the career path. They currently they have about 150 employees with less than 2 years with their company. This bill will help them keep employees longer due to higher salaries. Mr. McKenney responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 3)
Lori Feldkamp, President & CEO, Big Lakes Development Center, gave testimony in support of the bill. She shared their experience with KPERS in Manhattan, noting their turnover is 50-60% yearly. This extra money would increase salaries and help alleviate some of the turnover issues they have. (Attachment 4)
Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Matt Fletcher, Executive Director, Interhab (Attachment 5)
Lori Pendergast, President, Arrowhead West Inc. (Attachment 6)
Jerry Michaud, President/CEO, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (Attachment 7)
Ed Henry, CEO, Twin Valley Developmental Services Inc. (Attachment 8)
Doug Wisby, President/CEO, MCDS (Attachment 9)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on SB 210.
