By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley has decided to block the restoration of longevity raises for circuit and district judges. The Legislature passed a resolution in the closing hours of its regular session to restore the raises, which were suspended a year ago. The Governor's spokesperson says Riley decided to kill the resolution by not signing it because there is no General Fund budget to pay for any raises. The Legislature ended its regular session without passing a budget. The lawmakers will have to return in special session to consider the budget, which funds the courts and other non-education functions of government.