OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Written Testimony in Support of Judicial Compensation Market Adjustment in House
Bill 64
Chairman Grossman, Ranking Member Reece and members of the Finance
Subcommittee on Transportation. The Ohio State Bar Association supports the portion of
House Bill 64 relating to the market adjustment to the judicial compensation schedule.
Even though Ohio is one of the most populous states with a busy judicial system, our
judicial compensation schedule ranks near the bottom when compared to other states.
These same judges are asked to make some of the toughest and most important decisions
in our society. Questions involving freedom, property, custody, and even life and death
are left to judges. That is why the OSBA and many county bar associations have adopted
a resolution calling for fair and adequate compensation for judges.
The proposal for market adjustments to judicial compensation outlined in House Bill 64
addresses the need for fair and adequate compensation. The judges last received any type
of market adjustments in 2008. Periodic compensation review is needed in our
government system. The OSBA believes it is time for such a review and adjustment.
House Bill 64 would bring Ohio more in line with similarly-situated states. The market
adjustments outlined in House Bill 64 makes sense, and it reflects the important role
judges play.
The OSBA urges the adoption of the judicial compensation adjustment outlined in House
Bill 64.