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Funding, Quality of Justice System
The justice system is currently threatened by inadequate funding. The court system faces a $19 million shortfall, which has already resulted in decreased public services. Cuts to the Public Defenders' budget have already resulted in a crisis for parents in neglect and dependency proceedings. And legal aid programs continue to struggle with an increasing poverty population and escalating demands (like the mortgage foreclosure crisis), with funding that remains inadequate to address some 75% of the civil legal needs of poor people. Add to these challenges the troubled economy, the counter-cyclic need for court, legal aid and public defense services, and the projected state budget deficit of $1 - 2 billion for the 2009 fiscal year, and as Chief Justice Magnuson said in his recent State of the Judiciary, the Minnesota justice system is at a tipping point. The MSBA is committed to working with all three legs of the justice system - the courts, legal aid, and public defenders - to insure that they have the resources necessary to fulfill their constitutional obligations, and to remain national leaders. But the MSBA's support is only as strong as you make it. The MSBA has created a new professional networking site at www.1000 supporters.org to keep you informed of the issues facing the courts, legal aid, and the public defenders, aware of developments in the upcoming legislative session, and to alert you when action is needed to support the justice system. Please take a minute of your time to visit http://www.1000supporters.org/?xgi=3lKIYj6 and register to be part of the network of MSBA members committed to preserving the quality of our justice system. Your involvement is critical. Please join your colleagues in helping to maintain a justice system that Minnesotans can continue to be proud of. Thanks Mike Ford, MSBA President |
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