Oklahoma Board of Judicial Compensation votes for 6% increase in judicial salaries

October 13, 2011

Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Board of Judicial Compensation has voted 4-0 in favor of a 6% cost of living increase for judges across the state. Judicial pay raises were last considered in 2008, and the last pay increase was a 5% Cost of Living adjustment approved in 2007. Chief Justice James Edmondson did not ask for an adjustment in 2008 based on the state's budget crisis. If the increase is approved it would cost the state approximately $2.5 million a year. The proposal will be reviewed by Governor of Oklahoma Mary Fallin, President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate Brian Bingman, and Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Kris Steele. If the measure is not approved it will be two more years before the matter of Judicial compensation increases can be reviewed again. If the legislation is not blocked the pay increase will go into effect July 1, 2012.