CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A study has found Wyoming has promised public employees almost $2 billion more than it currently has in retirement funds.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that according to data from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the underfunded portion of pensions represents about 6.4 percent of residents' total personal income. The data is from 2013, the most current figures available.

According to the study, the gap in funding grew by 4.4 percent between 2003 and 2013.

Pew's Barb Rosewicz says the unfunded portion of the pension funds doesn't affect checks being sent out currently, but could become a problem for retirees decades from now.

Wyoming Retirement System Executive Director Ruth Ryerson says the state legislature has worked to close the gap in recent years and that the overall plan is healthy.

More From KGAB