NYS Independence Party calls on state legislature to enact judicial pay raises

Leadership of New York's third largest party asks legislative leaders to act immediately to raise the salaries of Judges

ALBANY, NY (04/12/2007)(readMedia)-- The Executive Committee of the NYS Independence Party overwhelming passed a formal resolution calling upon the state legislature and the Governor to enact fair and equitable pay increases for Judges. Citing the lack of a pay raise in nearly nine years, the Independence Party which has made political reform and government efficiency its cornerstone issues, is asking the legislature to act immediately to raise judicial salaries in order to ensure that qualified attorneys still seek to serve on the bench.

The IP resolution has three basic tenants:

-- An immediate 20% across the board increase for New York Judges

-- A bi-annual cost of living increase

-- The establishment of a state commission, comprised of members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders that would meet every four years to recommend salary adjustments.

The IP proposal mirrors parts of a plan proposed by Chief Judge Judith Kaye. In announcing the passage of the resolution, State Chairman Frank Mackay said, "Our judges are some of the hardest working public servants we have."

Calling attention to the limited options judges have in securing outside income Mackay added, "Unlike legislators, judges can't practice law to supplement their income. Let's at least make it somewhat competitive."

"New York Judges are among the lowest paid in the nation. They also don't have the option of raising their own salaries. They're the most accomplished and the least recognized public servants we have. Let's pay them what they deserve", said Frank Morano, the state Executive Committee Member who introduced the resolution.

The Independence Party was founded in 1994 and has over 337,000 members statewide, making it the third largest political party in the State.

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