While public schools and universities have been among the hardest hit by state cutbacks, another aspect of state government has been reeling from the changes to the state budget.
The state court system has had its fair share of cutbacks, and announced on Thursday that contingency plans for severe furloughs may not have to be implemented. That does not mean the court system will be without furloughs, though.
In a letter from Kansas Supreme Court Justice Lawton R. Nuss, Nuss addresses budget cutbacks in the justice department and the effect of plans to help deal with those cutbacks.
First of all, Nuss notes a $5 million supplemental appropriation from the House Appropriations Committee, with hopes of swift passage by the full House and governor.
On Friday, the Associated Press reported that legislators seemed to agree that they should add the money to the judicial branch budget to minimize a shortfall. However, some House members are questioning whether the state has the $5 million to give to the courts and where to get it.
Second, there are 96.5 vacancies in the state because of a hiring freeze instituted in late 2008, adding additional work for each member of the judicial branch.
Further, grants through federal stimulus funds and other programs have helped lessen the shortfall facing the judicial branch.
All of these actions will help in part, but the state justice system will still face cutbacks.
“All of the above developments mean that, as of today, if the legislature and governor succeed in making the $5 million supplemental appropriation to the judiciary for Fiscal 2010, we may need as few as four days of furlough of nonjudicial staff before June 30,” Nuss’ letter reads. “If the supplemental appropriation is not made, we may need as many as 24 days of furlough of nonjudicial staff before June 30.”
Nuss did say in the letter that a week of furloughs scheduled for February starting on Feb. 15 was able to be eliminated.
Nuss’s letter also notes that the state justice system is re-evaluating the furlough schedule proposed last summer. Nuss also announced plans to keep employees informed on plans as they are made.
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
PITTSBURG —
