by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
In recent years, NYS Supreme Court judges have received $10,000 stipends in lieu of pay raises. Chief Administrative Judge Gail Prudenti, said that the stipends were a "temporary accommodation to help judges who, regrettably, had not had a pay raise in 13 years".
In explaining her decision at an annual meeting for Supreme Court justices Prudenti stated, "I don't believe it was intended to be permanent and having received a raise, although less than expected, in these difficult times of work force reductions and budget cuts, the allowance was not sustainable". Prudenti further referenced Governor Cuomo's directive to executive branch agencies, requiring the submission of "zero growth" budgets for the next fiscal year. Although such directive does not apply to the judiciary, Prudenti opined that it was indicative of New York State's financial status.
Although NYS Supreme Court judges make an average annual salary of approximately $140,000, they nor anyone else should have to work for 13 years without a pay raise. This is just another example of the current fragility of our economy and the difficult times we are all still trying to navigate through.
Although NYS Supreme Court judges make an average annual salary of approximately $140,000, they nor anyone else should have to work for 13 years without a pay raise. This is just another example of the current fragility of our economy and the difficult times we are all still trying to navigate through.
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