 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 
|
|
 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Oct. 14 Judicial Branch Update: $3.1 Million Cut Expected To all Judges, Marital Masters and Judicial Branch staff: I know that all of you are anxious for information about the impact on the Judicial Branch of the State Employees Association decision to reject a tentative contract agreement that would have required executive branch employees to take 19 furlough days over the next 21 months. I met with Governor Lynch today in his office, along with Howard Zibel, General Counsel to the Judicial Branch, and Jeffrey Meyers, Legal Counsel to the Governor. Our discussions were informal and productive and we intend to continue working closely with the Governor and his staff. Here's where things stand now. Governor Lynch was directed by the legislature to save $25 million in general fund personnel costs over this biennium. After the SEA vote, Governor Lynch directed executive branch department heads to move forward with 250 layoff notices and reassignment of some employees. That action pertains only to executive branch employees. However, throughout this process I have indicated to the Governor, and did so again today, that the Judicial Branch recognizes its responsibility to assume its fair share of the burden during tough economic times, as long as the burden is shared equitably by all branches of government. It remains my priority to avoid layoffs in the Judicial Branch. At our meeting today, Governor Lynch said that he expected the Judicial Branch to contribute $3.1 million toward the goal of $25 million in personnel savings. How we would reach that goal involves numerous complicated issues, including the fact that 60 percent of our non-judicial workforce are now members of a separate bargaining unit represented by the SEA. Howard Zibel, our chief negotiator, met with SEA representatives today and contract negotiations will begin soon. I ask for your patience as we tackle these issues as expeditiously as the circumstances allow. I assure you that during all these discussions, I am aware of the distress that this uncertainty places on you and your families, and I am grateful for the dedication you show each day, during difficult times. John T. Broderick, Jr., Chief Justice Read more about how the state budget crisis affects courts. Local Officials Cite Costs of Milford District Court Closure - Nashua Telegraph - October 26 |
|
Home | About the Bar | For Members | For the Public | Legal Links | Publications | Online Store New Hampshire Bar Association |
