In recent years, the SPB budget has been cut by 50 percent while the number of adverse actions has increased. This has caused a serious backlog. It generally takes three months from the time an appeal is filed until it is heard by an SPB administrative law judge. After the hearing, another three months passes before a decision is published. It is growing more common for decisions to be delayed up to one year.
Most adverse actions involve reductions, suspensions and demotions to termination of employment.
If the Skelly hearing is not successful, the reduction in pay is effective immediately. The only time pay is restored is after a favorable hearing decision is published. This long delay often results in serious financial hardships during the appeal process, even if a favorable decision is issued. ACSS has suggested that legislation be introduced requiring a decision within 30 days of the hearing. Legislation should be introduced to cover STRS members.