PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Retired social worker Jim Gillis was told his $36,000 Rhode Island state pension would increase by $1,100 next year to keep up with inflation. But lawmakers suspended annual increases, leaving Gillis wondering how he’ll pay medical bills and whether he’d been betrayed by his former employer.

“When you’re working, you’re told you’ll get certain things, and you retire believing that to be the case,” Gillis said.

He and other retirees are challenging the pension changes in a court battle that’s likely to have national implications as other states follow Rhode Island’s lead.