Bill to raise judge's pay receives criticism

February 28, 2011

West Virginia: On Monday, February 21, the state Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve a bill that would increase the pay of judges across the state. This would increase Supreme Court justices' pay from $121,000 to $150,000 and would also provide increases for circuit judges, family law judges and magistrates. Some have criticized the bill, such as chairman of the committee, Corey Palumbo, who said, "I personally don't believe we can justify giving judges a raise if public employees don't get one." Richie Heath of West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse has also voiced his concern over the bill stating,

"The House Judiciary Committee's recent attempt to raise the salaries of all West Virginia judges seems foolish. Our state judges, most of whom earn more than $100,000 a year at a time when the average annual income for West Virginians is fourth worst in the nation at around $37,000, currently preside over a court system which is ranked worst in the nation. A pay raise hardly seems appropriate at this time."

Others do believe the bill is necessary. Steve Canterbury, who is the administrative director of the state Supreme Court, says that, "In 44 states, Supreme Court justices are paid the same or more than governors. In most of the other states, it's just a small difference. The governor here makes $150,000, so it's appropriate for Supreme Court justices to make the same in keeping with the vast majority of states."