Minnesota judge postpones pension ruling for 90 days!

From John Curry, September 16, 2010

http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/103012794.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

"It was clear to me that the judge wanted to make a decision on a complete record and did not want to rule prematurely," said Susan Coler, an attorney for the retirees.

Pension ruling postponed

By PAT DOYLE, Star Tribune
September 15, 2010

A judge on Wednesday postponed a ruling on a request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging legislation that slows pension benefit increases for retired public employees.

The state asked the judge to dismiss the suit, saying the Legislature has periodically altered public pension increases for retirees to keep retirement funds solvent. Legislation approved this spring curtailed future pension increases but didn't cut current benefits.

The suit, filed by retirees in Ramsey County District Court, said the legislation violated their pension rights. The benefit changes were part of a package intended to rescue state pension funds from financial trouble.

While the package affects more than 700,000 state and local government employees and retirees, the lawsuit is on behalf of about 65,000 former public employees who already have retired.

Ramsey County District Judge Gregg Johnson on Wednesday gave the plaintiffs 90 days to gather information in support of their argument that the suit shouldn't be dismissed.

"It was clear to me that the judge wanted to make a decision on a complete record and did not want to rule prematurely," said Susan Coler, an attorney for the retirees.

Pat Doyle • 651-222-1210