PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The judge hearing a challenge to Rhode Island’s overhaul of its public pension system has vacated the trial date in the case.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Lincoln Chafee says Judge Sarah Taft-Carter vacated the Sept. 15 trial date Friday. Taft-Carter said she needed time to hear two pending motions.
The Providence Journal reports the state has asked that additional defendants be added to the suit, including virtually every municipality, school department and other bodies whose workers pay into the retirement system. The state is also seeking a jury trial.
The 2011 law was designed to save the state billions, but public-sector unions and retirees sued. A proposed out-of-court settlement failed after police union members rejected it, so the litigation is continuing.
A new trial date hasn’t been set.
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