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Mich. Court Chief: Trial Judges Deserve More Pay

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The administrator of Michigan's court system is recommending two consecutive years of three percent raises for state Supreme Court justices, who make about $165,000.

Chad Schmucker said he's actually trying to help the trial judges in Michigan's 83 counties, since their salaries are based on a percentage of what Supreme Court justices are paid.

Schmucker recently told the state compensation commission that trial judges haven't received a raise since 2002. They're paid about $140,000 a year.

Schmucker said the raises make sense, especially since Michigan's economy has improved. He said the trial courts also have become more efficient and effective, due to consolidation and other reforms.

Only the Legislature can approve raises for Michigan's top public officials after it gets recommendations this year from the compensation commission. No raise would kick in until 2015.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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