PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota’s new Supreme Court Chief Justice, Steven Jensen, gave his first “State of the Judiciary” speech to the legislature last week. He gave much credit to his predecessor, Justice David Gilbertson, who retired after 21 years in the middle seat.

Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says it was a good start for Jensen.

During his speech, Jensen told lawmakers that circuit judges need raises, and badly trail salaries in neighboring states.

Stevens, a lawyer and Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee, says he agrees.

Stevens says the situation is similar to that faced by teachers a few years ago.

The Unified Judicial System will present their budget proposal in the next few weeks.