TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback says the public pension system in Kansas is on a solid financial footing, though he’s still open to changes such as moving toward a 401(k)-style plan for new teachers and government workers.

The Republican governor had a news conference Friday to discuss the financial health of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The event was less than a month after the state sold $1 billion in bonds to bolster the system’s finances.

Brownback and KPERS officials argue issuing the bonds makes it easier to close a $9.5 billion gap in funding for retirees’ benefits over the next 18 years. Even without the bonds, the state expected to eliminate the shortfall.

The governor said his administration is always looking at additional changes, including a 401(k)-style plan.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is preparing to tout the state’s sale of $1 billion in bonds as a boost to the financial health of the pension system for teachers and government workers.

Brownback scheduled a Friday morning news conference at the Statehouse with Executive Director Alan Conroy of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

The state sold the bonds last month. State officials expect the pension system to earn more from investing the proceeds than it will pay in interest to investors.

The move is aimed at making it easier to close a long-term funding gap facing the system. Supporters compare it to paying off high-interest credit card debt with a lower-interest loan.

But some financial analysts have said the state is increasing its financial risks.