Saturday, June 4, 2016

You Decide: Are Illinois Judges Overpaid?


Trial judges in Illinois earn $190,758—ranking them 3rd in the nation for pay. Appellate judges earn $207,882, ranking them 2nd in the U.S., while Illinois Supreme Court Justices earn $220,873—again 2nd in the nation. Click on interactive map to verify.  Also, click here.

By comparison, Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court-- who live in Washington D.C.-- earn $213,900. 

How does Illinois set these salaries? Starting in 1984—one year after Michael Madigan became Speaker of the Illinois House— Illinois uses a 12-member commission. How are members chosen? Three are appointed by speaker of the house, 3 by house minority leader, 3 by president of senate, and 3 by minority leader of senate. Their recommendations become law unless disapproved by the General Assembly within 30 days. See here to verify.

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