Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the Senate on May 23, 2007, 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)

The vote was 37 in favor, 0 opposed and 1 not voting

(Senate Roll Call 16 at Senate Journal 4)

Click here to view bill details.

increases in Michigan due to budget crisis, and you propose an INCREASE to judges pensions? Brilliant timing on your part.

Then the state better stop complaining about budget woes! THIS IS THE CRAP I GET SO DISGUSTED WITH! Them judges are making well over $100,000 a year. Then guess what is going to happen next- more crying "we have no money"

This is Senator Patterson's final term. Patterson is an attorney, I wonder if he has plans to add the title of "judge" to his resume?

Is there any common sense here! Three families can live on 100 thousand a year...Michigan is dying a slow death so please increase the judges pension! WHY IS THIS EVEN AN OPTION ..UG! Someone should be ashamed of themselves.

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!

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.

correction almost failing regarding Jail4judges. Sorry.

 Greed never fails to amaze us taxpayers!  Pathetic!

I know this is a tough assignment, but I suggest you all read the details of this bill before you let your blood pressure get out of hand.