The state Judicial Department informed non-union employees today their previously announced cost of living adjustments (COLAs) and incremental increases have been cancelled.
A Judicial Department spokesperson said because the COLAs did not go into effect last July 1, and in the incremental increases as originally scheduled on Jan. 1, 2016, the savings have totaled approximately $2.9 million in this fiscal year. The savings in FY17 associated with the just cancelled COLA and increments is $3 million.
Judge Patrick L. Carroll, the chief court administrator, told Judicial Branch employees the worsening fiscal crisis in the state was the reason behind the move. The state currently has a $219 million deficit for this fiscal year with a project deficit of $900 million for next year.
The COLAs were postponed two times before being cancelled.
Approximately 700 employees are affected. Judge salaries are set by the General Assembly and are not affected.
