Chief justice: Budget cuts could have been worse, but still hurt

Minnesota Chief Justice Eric Magnuson says the state of the judiciary right now is "OK." After nearly a year as chief, Magnuson says legislative budget cuts could have been much worse.

Initially, the governor asked all branches of government to take a 10 percent cut in spending. But the judicial branch was cut by just 1.3 percent. Magnuson says it will still have an impact, because the court was already underfunded by $19 million.

"We're going to lose some people. We're going to have to cut back on some of the things we're doing, like drug courts," said Magnuson. "We're going to have to continue closing down public service counters during certain parts of the week."

In addition the the budget cuts, a wide variety of legal fees are being increased, by a total of $38.9 million.

Magnuson acknowledged many people feel higher fees aren't the right way to fund the justice system, but he says they're a "tough reality."

Magnuson says he's looking toward the next legislative session for more funding.

"Hopefully we will be able to show to the governor and the Legislature that we have been creative, that we've been accountable, that we've been innovative, and that they can trust us to spend their money, and the citizens' money wisely," said Magnuson.

Magnuson gave his annual state of the judiciary speech today at the state bar convention in Duluth.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)

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