By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Various judges and attorneys from across Missouri testified on Wednesday before a Senate committee, pleading their case for pay raises.
Kansas City attorney Patrick McLarney told the Senate Rules and Ethics Committee that judges in Missouri were once well-paid, but salaries haven't kept up with the cost of living.
"Of the contiguous states that touch Missouri, we're dead last at all levels of our court system as far as pay," says McLarney.
Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields of St. Joseph says there appears to be enough votes in the House to block raises for judges and for other elected officials, but not in the Senate.
"I don't think the votes are there on the floor; I don't think there's 23 votes there," says Shields.
It appears that attempts to block pay raises for judges and other elected officials will not succeed.
The raises would also boost the salaries of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Cabinet members, and Senate & House members.