Judges begin push for a raise- 30%

[rodeodance]

well, first fed workers (including Cheney) get a raise, now judges want one--and Congress will not even discuss raising the minimum pay for workers!!!!!!!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/01/03/judges_begin_push_for_a_raise/

Judges begin push for a raise
Lawmakers seen cool to 30% hike
By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | January 3, 2005

With a new Legislature convening this week, Massachusetts judges are mounting a campaign for a $34,000-a-year pay raise, but their effort faces a tough battle to overcome both a state budget deficit and political tensions between the judicial branch and Beacon Hill.

The judges, most of whom make $112,777 a year, have not had a raise in nearly five years, and they argue that their pay is at the bottom of the scale when compared with jurists in other states. The proposal for a 30 percent increase is being put forward by the Massachusetts Judges Conference, which represents the state's more than 370 judges, and would cost nearly $13 million in the first year.

A spokeswoman for House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi called discussions regarding a proposed pay raise premature, echoing the skepticism of other lawmakers who say the state can't afford a big judicial raise at a time when the state budget deficit could reach $900 million. But beneath the talk of fiscal problems is a long list of conflicts that have created friction between lawmakers and the judicial branch in recent years.

The bad feelings reached such a point this past fall that DiMasi cut off communications with Robert A. Mulligan, chief justice for administration and management, after Mulligan ignored the speaker's recommendation that Suzanne DelVecchio be reappointed as chief justice of the superior courts, according to sources in the legislative leadership.
........

[Straight Shooter]

1. I say bring the other judges' salaries down to their level

The judges, most of whom make $112,777 a year, have not had a raise in nearly five years, and they argue that their pay is at the bottom of the scale when compared with jurists in other states.

Clearly, the other judges are being overpaid. ;)

As for not having had a raise in nearly five years, welcome to the club.

[Egalitariat]

2. Any salary above a living wage should be based on supply & demand

If they can hire enough qualified judges at the current salary to keep the judicial system working in a fair, equitable manner then you won't get me to feel sorry for folks who make $110K+ per year.

If they can't hire enough judges at that salary, then they need to raise it.

That's how you know how much to pay someone when you're working in the real world.

If they don't like that salary, then they can always put their picture on the back of the phone book and start suing insurance companies.

[KT2000]

3. Pay increases for judges

should only occur after they have all been forbidden from taking trips and junkets from corporations hoping to "educate" them to their benefit.

[melnjones]

4. Freakin'....that's so stupid. 30% my ass.

Being one dedicated to living frugally and with financial stewardship, I can't even comprehend needing a salary that large. What is the poverty level...$18,000 for a family of four? Something like that? Freaking insanity.

[leesa]

5. They most certainly DO NOT deserve it, the way they have been rolling

over to allow Bush's crimes.

[AP]

6. When I see people ask for more money for their labor, inclined to say OK

It's when people ask for money that's not for working that I raise an eyebrow.

Judges are definitely worth the money. And everyone in the court system deserves more money.