The bleakness of the state’s financial situation also means that about $160 million in funding that Chief Justice Ronald George had hoped for next year for judicial raises, new technology and court renovations will be put on hold until the state’s economy improves.

State coffers, which had a $12 billion surplus two years ago, have been quickly depleted as a result of a torpid economy brought on by the energy crisis, falling stock prices and fallout from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.