Much has been said about the state’s pension system and its continued underfunding. What needs to happen in the upcoming session to fix that?

According to a recent survey with S&P Global Ratings, Kentucky has the lowest ratio of all states of money needed to make payouts to current and future retirees. We need to cut spending where possible and devote those savings to paying down our pension obligations. I think we owe it to our retirees to fully fund the pension system. I am in favor of Gov. Bevin’s path to fix this problem.  

The house Democrats proposal to borrow $3.3 billion for the teachers’ pension would have left us in a worse hole. They assumed a higher return on investment than interest-rate paid, but in reality, investments actually lost money last year. I do not want to pass on this cost to our future children and grandchildren. It’s a problem we must face today. 

What do you think of Gov. Matt Bevin’s plans for Medicaid that were expanded under Gov. Steve Beshear?

Medicaid is an issue we must face with all seriousness because of the impact on so many people. We need to make sure we are diligent as it affects the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Medicaid system, as it exists, is unsustainable. Something has to give. 

Gov. Bevin has proposed reforms to the system that would allow us to maintain the expansion of eligibility that Gov. Beshear instituted.  No one is kicked off their benefits by the waiver. The waiver would allow us to maintain it as a system. I look forward to the opportunity to attack this problem in a way that will benefit the state of Kentucky.

What makes you qualified for this post?

I believe that my life and work experiences have given me many of the qualifications needed to be state representative for the 23rd district. After graduation from Western Kentucky University with degrees in History and Political Science, I worked for three years at Lindsey Wilson College teaching History and Political Science and coaching both men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. After marrying my wife Lisa, a Registered Nurse, we moved to Glasgow, where I worked for the Barren County school system in various roles at Barren County High School including teacher, boys’ basketball coach, Assistant Principal and Principal.

In working with over 9,000 students in 31 years, I had the opportunity to impact the lives of young people from various backgrounds in Barren County. I have also been privileged to work with the many wonderful parents, grandparents and other family members of our students. I worked with great teachers, administrators and many other employees who valued students. 

Office sought: 23rd District state representative (Barren County, part of Warren)

Social media: Facebook (facebook.com/RileyforRep), Website (rileyforkentucky.com)