2007 Senate Bill 524 (Increase judges' pensions )

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Introduced by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R) on May 23, 2007, to increase the pensions of retired judges up to $900 annually if the balance in the pension fund is considered to be sufficient to prudently support the increase. Also, to increase by 67 percent the pension benefits of a certain narrow class of retired judges.
- Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 23, 2007.
  - Reported in the Senate on December 6, 2007, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
- Substitute offered in the Senate on January 17, 2008, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not contain the provison to increase the pensions of retired judges up to $900 annually if the balance in the pension fund is considered to be sufficient to prudently support the increase. The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on January 17, 2008.
Passed in the Senate (37 to 0) on January 22, 2008, to increase by 67 percent the pension benefits of a certain narrow class of retired judges (those who served less than the 12 years that earns a more generous pension and also had two years of military service - essentially this applies to one judge). [Vote Details and Comments]
Received in the House on January 22, 2008.
- Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2008.

Most Recent Comments

1) Tax Slaves [by Anonymous Citizen on December 7, 2007]
correction
almost failing regarding Jail4judges.
Sorry.
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2) We Are All Tax Slaves [by Anonymous Citizen on December 7, 2007]
Look at Judge Tyner of Oakland County Michigan. She was at Sommerset (Needless Mark Up and all of the high end stores) when she was supposed to be on the bench and being paid for beiing in the court room. Search Youtube and you will see the re-play of the report. She is the judge that Governor Granholm wants to promote to a higher level!?!?!? While you are at it---look at Jail4judges and examine the judges' scores. They are way below failing. Oh, and look at the benefits for life that many elected officials get. They don't pay anything into the system and they get benefits for LIFE. I have NEVER had a job where I could get benefits for life. We have 1 out of ever 60 houses in foreclosure in one of the BEST counties in Michigan. While you are at it- go ahead and raise the taxes up past the 40% PLUS you already collect. The unemployment money is almost out and they are now talking about taxing us more with an unemployment tax to generate more money for the people on unemployment. It is hard to believe that this country has always had an objection to socialism-but atleast with socialism there are benefits for the people (even if they do stink.) Already lawyers brag about going to fundraisers for judges because they know it will be to the attorney's favor in the courts. Enough is enough. But you know what---everyone meets their maker. You guys will be held accountable one day---not by me--- not by this broken and corrupt system, but by God Himself. I await His return. Just like Jonah----- you can run, but you cannot hide from HIM.
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3) Are you kidding?!!!! [by inform4 on December 7, 2007]
The following is what I e-mailed to Sen. Bruce Patterson as well as my representatives:

What State are you residing in? It can't be the State of Michigan that is suffering from an economic crisis. Or, don't you give a brass monkey?

Calling for increases in judges' pensions at a time like this when so many are losing their jobs, benefits, and homes to foreclosures. Since you are now term limited are you planning on running for or getting appointed to a judicial position?

Senate Bill 524 is a selfish and inconsiderate proposal. Most of the judges in Michigan make salaries and perks well over $100,000 a year and well over the medium income of those residing in Michigan. This is an unfit time to be asking for increases on anything -- whether judicial, legislative, or in the executive branch of Michigan government.

For Shame!

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