Yesterday, Gov. Deval L. Patrick filed his budget
recommendations for fiscal year 2014. Patrick recommends funding
the Trial Court at $577 million, which is less that the $589
million maintenance request by the court. The Massachusetts Bar
Association will cosponsor a Court Advocacy Day on Thursday, Feb.
14 at 11 a.m. at the Grand Staircase of the State House. To
view the budget proposal, click here.
A supplemental budget also filed yesterday by Patrick contains a
newly created commission which would study Court Realignment and
Judicial Salaries. The commission will be comprised of legislative,
bar and court leadership and must report back within six months.
The language establishing the commission specifically asks for a
recommendation on 15 courts that could close in the next 10
years.
The supplemental budget proposal also included a section
establishing a standing commission to study the criminal justice
system. To see the supplemental budget, click here.
The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation budget
recommendation was $15.5 million, a $3.5 million increase over
fiscal year 2013 funding. Walk to the Hill for Legal Services will
take place on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall of
the State House.
Patrick also recommends funding the Committee for Public Counsel
Services at $189 million, $6.1 million below their maintenance
request. The governor does not recommend any structural
changes.
The House and Senate will take up their own versions of the
budget in the spring.