On Tuesday, the state’s top court decided to reinstate former Oregon attorney general Ellen Rosenblum in her role as a senior judge, which carries a substantial financial benefit.
Rosenblum, 74, is eligible to take part in a judiciary pension program that requires retired judges to spend 175 unpaid days behind the gavel over a five-year period, thanks to the Oregon Supreme Court’s majority decision.
According to Rosenblum, taking part in what is known as Plan B will result in her receiving a $8,425 monthly pension before taxes, which is at least $1,000 more than she would earn from the Public Employee Retirement System otherwise.
Usually, Plan B judges serve in remote counties with backlogs of cases or take on other unique responsibilities, such as serving on policy committees. Only retired judges who are unable to participate due to illness do so since the state’s pension program strongly encourages it.
The status modification for Rosemblum is effective February 5.
She stated in an interview that the state benefits from the program since it provides free, qualified judges. The state budget actually benefits from it.
Rosenblum has a wealth of legal administration experience. She was promoted to the state Court of Appeals in 2005 after starting her legal career in 1989 on what was then known as the Multnomah County District Court.
She held the $131,000-a-year job until May 2011, when she initially retired.
Rosenblum claims she had no intention of running for government at the time. She finished her 95-day judicial assignment, which was unpaid save for travel expenses, and started receiving the higher Plan B pension.
However, Rosenblum put herself up and defeated Dwight Holton in the Democratic primary when then-Attorney General John Kroger abruptly chose to serve as president of Reed College rather than seek a second term in 2012.
The Oregon Attorney General’s compensation is regulated by law at $82,200 year, therefore she took a considerable pay cut and forfeited the $8,427.04 monthly pension for the next 12 years while in office.
Dan Rayfield, a former state speaker of the House, followed Rosenblum, who decided not to seek reelection last year.
Rosenblum asserted that in 2012, Chief Justice Paul J. DeMuniz of the Oregon Supreme Court authorized the halt in her Plan B status, stating that she may serve her remaining 80 days after leaving her position as attorney general.
Additionally, the attorney general’s office will pay her a pension, which she anticipates will range from $1,000 to $2,400 per month, depending on the plan she selects.
“I feel privileged to contribute to the judicial system,” Rosenblum remarked. I’m a little enthusiastic about it, you know.
For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Zane Sparling reports on court proceedings and breaking news. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-319-7083, or pdxzane.
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