Statement of Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers about Budget

The Judicial Branch opposes the budget proposal to dismantle the organizational and management infrastructure of its Court Support Services Division and place its various functions in multiple Executive Branch agencies.  Our concern is that we have seen no evidence substantiating how this proposal will result in greater efficiencies or better outcomes in the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system or the family court system.  Additionally, we do not agree that the proposal will result in budgetary savings.

The Judicial Branch, in concert with its Legislative and Executive Branch partners, has devoted the better part of 30 years to creating nationally recognized and accredited programs and assessment tools.  These programs and tools are fully integrated into the court process and are utilized by judges every day to best serve the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system and the family court system in Connecticut.

The Judicial Branch recognizes that Connecticut is facing a significant budget deficit that will impact all aspects of state government.  We have worked closely with both branches of government in the past and will continue to do so to address this problem. However, we do not believe that this proposal will achieve the goals outlined in the recommended budget.