Under the surviving spouse health insurance recommendation, the Association is not requesting health insurance coverage for minor children of a deceased judge. Iowa State Bar Association. Mr. David Beckman, President, presented the view of the Iowa State Bar Association. He stated the Iowa currently has a high-quality judicial branch. He added that financial and personal sacrifices associated with becoming a judge can discourage highly qualified attorneys from seeking judicial appointment.
Judicial experience is a valuable commodity both within the judiciary and the private law practice.
Mr. Beckman stated that there is a cost related to the recruitment, retention, and motivation of quality judges and that it is essential that the state make every effort to ensure that judicial openings are filled by the most qualified persons. He stated that the state needs more attorney magistrates and that this can only be achieved by making the magistrate office more attractive financially. He concluded by stating that the Iowa State Bar Association strongly supports the recommendations made by the Iowa Judges Association and the Iowa Association of Magistrate Judges. Iowa Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Fredd Haas presented the views of the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association regarding judicial salaries and benefits.