Photo: WQHY/WDOC

On Thursday, March 29, 2018, Kentucky lawmakers passed Senate Bill 151, originally slated as a wastewater services bill, but was amended to include elements of pension reform from Senate Bill 1, which did not pass. Due to the passing of these changes made to the pension, several school districts closed on Friday, March 30, 2018 after teachers called in sick in what many are considering an act of protest. Following the closures, teachers took to the picket line. Kyle O’Quinn, Social Studies teacher at Floyd Central High School and one of the organizers for a rally in Prestonsburg, said removal of the death benefit from the pension reform bill was the final straw for him. Attorney General Andy Beshear announced today that he will be taking action against the bill, should it be signed. O’Quinn also wants to remind the community that this bill doesn’t only effect teachers, but many who work in public service.