NY Judges, and Justice, Screwed Again

No Pay Hike Until Economy Improves, Governor Says
The New York Law Journal by Joel Stashenko - May 4, 2009

The shaky economy has effectively shelved the possibility of a judicial pay raise until a recovery occurs, according to Governor David A. Paterson. While he said he has believed for years that state judges deserve their first raise since 1999, the governor said Friday it will not happen as long as the state faces huge budget gaps and shrinking tax revenues. "Certainly last year and this year, with the extreme downturn in the economy" means the state cannot increase pay "for anyone," Mr. Paterson told reporters after the annual Law Day observance at the Court of Appeals in Albany. The sharp criticism Mr. Paterson and other state officials received when they have tried to increase the pay for selected aides shows the negative attitude of New Yorkers toward pay raises in the public sector. The governor attributed it to an "overflow of anxiety people are feeling based on the downturn in the economy." Once the economy stabilizes, the governor said, "I don't think it'll be any problem" getting judges their increase. Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has said he is continuing to talk with the Legislature and governor about breaking the impasse over a pay bill, but has conceded that poor state finances and the economy have made the discussions even more difficult than in years' past. On Friday, appearing with Mr. Paterson before reporters, Chief Judge Lippman said, "We hope the economy is going to turn around very soon, through the governor's effort and President Obama's."