It only took 12 years. They will be getting a 27% raise, which sounds like a lot, until you consider. Twelve years. Yeesh.
Because the politicos who are supposed to make these decisions weren’t up to the task, the appointed a commission to make the decision for them. It’s worth noting that the 27% increase was a 4-3 decision, with the dissenters saying it wasn’t high enough.
The judges were getting $136,700. Now they will get raises in the following increments:
- $160,000 as of April 1, 2012;
- $167,000 as of April 1, 2013; and
- $174,000 as of April 1, 2014.
I’ve covered the problem of our judicial salaries many times in the past, as well as the litigation that accompanies it. I’ve also lobbied the Legislature along with the New York State Trial Lawyers Association on the subject. So this post is really a short IT’S ABOUT TIME! finality to those other missives, one of which I once found hanging on the wall outside a courtroom along with editorials from local newspapers.
Update, 8/31/11, from the NYLJ: Despite Outcome, Lippman Says Pay ‘Nightmare Is Over’ — from a webcast yesterday to the state’s judiciary, the Chief Judge said:
“While we cannot change the fact that by any standard we have not been treated fairly or respectfully over the last dozen years…the miserable situation that we have endured for so long will shortly be a thing of the past,” Judge Lippman said.
…
“We are all understandably disappointed that our judiciary was not made whole, not even close, for the long, torturous 12 year ordeal that we have experienced,” the chief judge told his colleagues.
A few of my prior postings on the subject as we put this issue to bed for awhile:
Kaye v. Silver, Judicial Pay Raise Suit (Today’s Argument)
New York’s Chief Judge Kaye Finally Brings Suit for Judicial Pay Raises
A Judicial Brawl in New York As Chief Judge Kaye Abandons Lawsuit Threat
New York Judge Grows Protest Beard Over Salary Issue
Where Are Our Judicial Pay Raises?