HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

MEDIA RELEASE

Bill Would Allow Seniors Options When Receiving Retirement Checks

( Frankfort , KY ) - A bill to allow people who are 70 years old or older the option to receive their state retirement benefit checks via mail or electronic direct deposit was passed by the House State Government Committee. House Bill 457, sponsored by State Representative Addia Wuchner (R-Burlington), passed the committee without objection.

House Bill 457 would open a window to allow retirees who are age 70 or older to apply to receive their check via the U.S. Mail. The application window would open upon passage of the bill and will close December 31, 2008.

Representative Wuchner was joined in the committee meeting by Mr. Clancy Barnes of Florence . The bill was filed after Mr. Barnes contacted Representative Wuchner about the trouble he experienced trying to obtain his benefit check.

"The fact that Mr. Barnes has not been able to receive his benefit check since July was of great concern to me. I first instructed him to file the proper paper work to request his check be delivered by mail. Mr. Barnes was informed because of state law the check must be electronically deposited in a bank account," said Representative Wuchner. "This legislation is a way to make sure our senior retirees are given an option to receive their checks via the mail or direct deposit."

Many committee members commented that people over the age of 70 should be able to get their check in any form they want without having to prove that getting the check electronically would cause them a hardship.

"While the move to electronic direct deposit is intended to reduce postage and prevent lost or stolen checks, I firmly support an individuals right to choose how they receive their benefit check," said Representative Wuchner.

The Federal Government currently allows recipients an option to receive their checks via mail.

House Bill 457 is named in honor of Clancy Barnes.

This bill will now go to the full House.