HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, March 21, 2008

Representative Wuchner's Bill to Allow Senior's to Receive Paper Benefit Checks Clears the House

( Frankfort , KY ) - House Bill 457, sponsored by State Representative Addia Wuchner (R-Burlington), passed the House today. The bill will   provide  retirees  the option to receive their state retirement benefit checks via mail or electronic direct deposit.

This legislation will 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.

"I understand that the move to electronic direct deposit for state issued checks was intended to reduce postage and prevent lost or stolen checks," said Representative Wuchner. "With this bill my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives show that we firmly support an individuals right to choose how they receive their benefit check."

The bill is named in honor of Clancy Barnes  who contacted Representative Wuchner regarding  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."

This bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.