Topeka ? Teachers from Kansas City-area school districts have delivered petitions on pension issues signed by more than 6,400 school employees to the Statehouse.

The signers are protesting the Legislature’s consideration of a proposal to start a 401(k)-style pension plan for new teachers and government workers. The teachers represented five school districts in Johnson County and presented the petitions Thursday to their legislators and Gov. Sam Brownback’s office.

Brownback supports proposal as a way to rein in the long-term costs facing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

KPERS faces a projected $8.3 billion funding shortfall through 2033. Its plans guarantee benefits up front, based on a worker’s salary and years of service. A 401(k)-style plan would tie benefits to investment earnings.

A Senate committee planned hearings on the proposal.