Part of the proposed pension plan is to phase-in increased retirement contributions for the Administrative Office of the Courts. That phase-in would save the court system about $8.2 million over the next two years.
The Senate budget proposal, released Tuesday, would use that money to give raises to judges and circuit court clerks. Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel said if the pension changes don't pass, the raises would not happen.
Democratic Sen. Robin Webb called the plan "extortion" and said she would not support it.
