They've put their lives on the line working for us.

But Kentucky's firefighters say their state retirement and health care plans are not working for them.

That includes current firefighters, volunteers, retirees and recruits.

The Kentucky General Assembly slashed defined pension benefits for employees hired in the past decade, opting for a cash balance plan typical in the private sector.

Today, lawmakers heard from firefighters and their advocates.

And so when I look at what the state of Kentucky offers its firefighters, if it was a 45 year career, that would be a good that would be a good pension.

But it's not a 45 year career.

And you don't want your front line first responders, by and large to look like me.

I'm 56 years old.

I'm not kicking doors anymore.

So, you know, we've got to do a better job to get those younger people in.

Use them because we're going to send them out different than we got them.

And, you know, let them move on with with life and enjoy some type of retirement with dignity.

The Kentucky Public Pension Authority testified to lawmakers today that the primary pension fund is on track to be in the black by 2049.