LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) The New Mexico Supreme Court on Sept. 4 is scheduled to hear arguments on a suit in which retired school employees challenge the state's reduction of cost-of-living adjustments to their pensions. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the case centers on a law approved by the Legislature and Gov. Susana Martinez earlier this year.
The retired school and university employees contend that full cost-of-living adjustments to their pensions are a property right constitutionally protected from cutbacks.
State Rep. Dennis Roch says the Legislature acted within its authority when it approved the reductions. The Texico Republican says lawmakers only changed the cost-of-living adjustments, not the base in pension payments.
