Political notebook: Board recommends 17.58% raise for state judges

Randy Krehbiel

Tulsa World Reporter

All rise: State judges are due a 17.58% raise, the Board on Judicial Compensation said last week.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe noted a sharp decline in the number of applicants for bench vacancies, and the board heard information that Oklahoma judicial salaries are below those of surrounding states.

Oklahoma district judges would go from $167,703 annually to $197,189 under the proposal. The Supreme Court chief justice’s salary would increase from $198,212 to $233,062.

Lower level judges received a 7% increase in 2023 after Gov. Kevin Stitt said he would veto the recommended 17% across-the-board raises.

Judicial Compensation Board recommendations become effective unless acted upon by the Legislature.

Real money: Two of Oklahoma’s large