Judicial Compensation Commission urges Texas legislators to increase judges' pay by 30%

Judges in Texas wield significant power over families, businesses, and the economy, and a call for increased compensation is echoing through the halls of the state legislature. During a recent State of the Judiciary address, a prominent judge highlighted the critical need for a 30% pay raise for district judges, arguing that the current compensation structure is failing to attract and retain qualified individuals in a system that directly impacts the lives of Texans.

The judge emphasized that local judges have the authority to make life-altering decisions, including financial penalties, property seizures, and custody rulings. With Texas being the eighth largest economy in the world, the financial stakes in courtrooms are immense—comparable to the state budget discussions. The judge pointed out that the base pay for district judges has not been raised since 2013, despite rising inflation and increasing salaries in the legal profession.

The Judicial Compensation Commission has recommended this pay increase, which the judge argues is essential for maintaining a competent judiciary. "You'll get what you pay for," the judge stated, underscoring that higher salaries would lead to more qualified candidates applying for judicial positions and staying longer in their roles.

This appeal is not just about the judges themselves; it is framed as a necessity for the constituents who rely on a fair and efficient judicial system. The judge urged lawmakers to consider the broader implications of judicial compensation, stating, "Do it for the thousands of Texans whose families and fortunes are on the line every day in courtrooms across Texas."

While acknowledging that some judges may not meet the demands of their roles, the judge expressed pride in the majority who work diligently to deliver justice. The message is clear: investing in the judiciary is an investment in the rule of law and the welfare of Texas families. The time for action is now, as the legislature has the opportunity to make a lasting commitment to the integrity of the judicial system.