“But they’re unlikely to be heard or even considered, based on comments from House Speaker Ray Merrick, the Stilwell Republican closely aligned with the governor who recently unleashed this gem: ‘Government employees produce nothing. They’re a net consumer. And you got that cost forever and ever and ever because they’re on the KPERS (pension) plan, they’re on all the government insurance and everything.’

“Yet alongside teachers, firefighters, police and other state employees, state legislators like Merrick also participate in KPERS.

“Consider his uninformed, insulting remarks more proof of the thoughtlessness that’s helped drive poor decision-making of late in the Kansas Legislature — and, a sobering sign of still more recklessness to come in a state that cannot afford much more.” http://www.gctelegram.com/opinion/kpers-target-brownback-camp-sizes-up-more-harmful-money-moves/article_65671dbb-16ac-5986-a1d5-fb5c5ab015ca.html