House panel backs raises for judges

A Georgia House committee last week voted in favor of a bill that would boost pay for state judges up to the level of their federal colleagues, a major boost that supporters say would increase the quality of applicants to open positions.  The House Judiciary Committee was unanimous in approving HB 947, which would raise salaries for judges on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and superior courts by some $60,000 per year.  Bill sponsor state Rep. Rob Leverett. R-Elberton, says the raises are “long overdue” and “vital for the continued health of our judicial system.”  The bill moves on to the full state House where supporters hope it will have judges’ salaries RISING…