State courts seek $54 million to avoid cuts

(AP) - Minnesota court leaders say they need an extra $54 million or they will have to cut hundreds of jobs and force delays in hearing cases.

The courts' governing body has voted to ask the Legislature for the money in the upcoming budget cycle. Without it, they say 261 jobs will have to be cut.

The state's judicial branch says it is already running $19 million short.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson says the budget crunch is threatening public trust in the courts.

He says the judicial system isn't "just another state program" and lack of funding will have "grave consequences" if it continues.

Court leaders are meeting with lawmakers and plan to meet with Gov. Tim Pawlenty to press their case.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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