Cannon Intercedes to Retain Judges' Pay Scales; Pensions Still Up in the Air

As negotiations continue between lawmakers and the Florida Bar over judicial reforms, House Speaker Dean Cannon has overruled proposed pay cuts for judges.

The House initially planned to reduce judicial salaries by 8 percent, but Cannon interceded to put $15 million back in the budget to keep salaries intact.

The Florida Bar, in its latest board of governors' report, also indicated: "Attempts to reduce overall judicial pensions appear to have failed, although judges may wind up contributing to their pensions, as will other state employees including court staff."