Chief justice pushes higher pay for judicial branch workers

Kentucky’s chief justice has begun his closing arguments in a long-running quest to win a substantial pay raise for judicial workers.

Chief Justice John Minton Junior presented his plan to lawmakers for a $10,000 salary increase for full-time judicial employees and a $5,000 raise for part-time workers. It would apply to all judicial employees as well as elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks.

Minton testified Tuesday before a House committee. Minton isn't seeking reelection.

He says turnover among judicial branch employees is at an “alarming” rate. He says salaries for Kentucky judges have sunk to the bottom nationally.