Lawmaker commended for working to raise pay for judges, DAs

Editor:

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On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I would like to commend state Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem, for his dedication and effort in the overwhelming approval of House Bill 119 in the final hours of the 2008 legislative session. This legislation would have increased the salaries of Georgia's judges and district attorneys by 5 percent, effective July 1, 2009 - the first substantial judicial pay increase in our state in 10 years.

Although we are very disappointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue's veto of this legislation, the State Bar is eager to show our appreciation to Fleming for his extraordinary leadership on this issue. The State Bar will continue to work on behalf of adequate judicial compensation in Georgia because it is vitally important to the future administration of justice in our state.

Thanks again to Fleming for going the extra mile to help advance HB 119 during the 2008 session and for all of his service to the people of Georgia.

Gerald Edenfield, president

State Bar of Georgia