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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Some legislators are balking at raising pay for state workers while their lawsuit challenging last year's retirement benefit cut remains before the Utah Supreme Court.
Court administrator Rick Schwermer said he expects the justices to rule before the session ends.
Employees challenged the 2005 Legislature's decision to cancel a benefit in which retired workers had been allowed to exchange unused sick days for medical benefits.
Because the justices' decision could end up costing the state more money, legislators insist they have to prepare for every contingency.
"It's not intended to be a threat in any way, said Senate President John Valentine. "This attempts to be as responsive as we can to our state employees."
Rep. Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara, has a bill to create a trust fund to cover the possible cost.
"The prudent thing to do is to set the money aside," Clark said.
That money could be taken from employee raises.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
