Gross Underpayment

After five months of studying the financial difficulties that beset federal judges and Congressmen, the 18-member Commission on Judicial and Congressional Salaries last week reported that they 1) are "grossly underpaid" and 2) deserve a raise. Among the commission's findings: P: The average Congressman spends $3,000 a year more than his $12,500 salary.

P: Many Congressmen have had to return to private life after a few years to recoup.

P: Good judges are hard to get because of the competition from high-income jobs in private law practice.

P: While the Vice President's salary of $40,000 seems fair enough, his duties as "second in command" have "multiplied astronomically." His expense allowance does not cover his "necessary and important official and social functions." The commission's principal proposals: P: Raise Supreme Court Associate Justices' salaries from $25,000 to $39,500, the Chief Justice's from $25,500 to $40,000.

P: Raise salaries of Congressmen and district judges from $12,500 to $27,500.

P: Compensate Congressmen for six trips a year home instead of one.

P: Provide an official residence for the Vice President.

Congressmen reacted discreetly. It might be dangerous, especially in an election year, to vote themselves a raise.

Most of them agreed that they 1) sorely 19 need the money, 2) will not vote for the full amount suggested by the commission. By week's end many were prepared to compromise with next fall's voting public on a $5,000-a-year boost all around.

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