Circuit Court Judge Stacy Nowicki Eldridge made a compelling case for a proposed pay raise for West Virginia judges during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee meeting. Eldridge, who serves as the legislative chair for the Judicial Association, emphasized that the proposed salary adjustments align with recommendations from the Judicial Compensation Commission, which evaluates appropriate compensation for the state's judiciary.

Eldridge clarified that the proposal does not seek additional funds beyond what the commission has already suggested. "We didn't ask for more. We didn't ask for less. We took the exact numbers that they gave us," she stated, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the proposal.

In addition to the pay raise, Eldridge introduced an amendment for pension reform, aimed at addressing a significant budget freeze that could cost the state approximately $1.2 million annually. This amendment is part of a broader strategy to secure funding for the proposed salary increases while acknowledging the state's current budget constraints.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts of the judiciary to work within the state's financial realities while advocating for fair compensation. As the committee continues to deliberate, the outcomes of these proposals could have lasting implications for the state's judicial system and its ability to attract and retain qualified judges.