January 27, 2012

Joint Statement on Governor Patrick's FY13 Budget Proposal
      Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland and Chief Justice Robert A. Mulligan

The Governor’s FY13 budget proposal provides the courts with a good starting point for the budget process.  We appreciate Governor Patrick’s understanding of the needs of the courts and his recognition of the tremendous efforts we have taken to reduce operating expenses through the fiscal crisis.

The Governor’s budget provides important management flexibility and predictability through the inclusion of transferability and the removal of retained revenue accounts.

As the budget process moves forward, we will continue to apprise the leaders of the legislative and executive branches of the court system’s operational challenges and significant funding needs.