The Kansas Chamber of Commerce plans to push legislators next year to reopen a debate over public pensions and start a 401(k)-style plan for new teachers and government workers.

Two chamber officials said Friday in an interview with The Associated Press that a further overhaul of the state pension system is on the group’s legislative agenda because pension costs help boost state spending.

The powerful chamber plans to formally release its agenda next month, but Vice President Kent Eckles and Legislative Affairs Director Eric Stafford provided details during the interview.

Legislators approved measures earlier this year and last year to deal with a projected $9.2 billion long-term funding gap faced by the state pension system. But lawmakers stopped short of putting new hires in a 401(k)-style plan.