Wisconsin judge salary increases approved

MADISON, Wis. (AP) --Salaries for Wisconsin's judges would increase 4 percent over two years under a vote by the Legislature's budget committee.

The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday voted to approve the higher salaries which are in line with what Gov. Scott Walker recommended, but far below what Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack wanted.

The raises apply to members of the state Supreme Court, appeals courts and circuit courts.

The National Center for State Court says that Wisconsin's judicial salaries are the 43th lowest nationwide. Roggensack had asked for a 16 percent increase over two years to help bridge that gap.

Walker's 2 percent raise for judges in each of the next two years would be the same as what state employees would receive.