Judge Delays DiMasi Pension Hearing

A judge has delayed until June 30 a hearing on whether former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi should resume getting his state pension as he faces federal corruption charges.

DiMasi was not present for Monday's brief proceeding in Boston Municipal Court. The judge said he wants to consider who should hear the case, since many judges have had contact with DiMasi in his early career as a prosecutor.

DiMasi and three associates were charged last year in an alleged bid-rigging scheme for a state software contract that prosecutors say netted the former speaker $57,000. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The Massachusetts Retirement Board suspended DiMasi's $5,000-per-month pension as of last Nov. 1. DiMasi has argued that denial of his pension is causing a financial hardship and is a violation of his due process rights.