The chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court made a pitch for more court funding during a speech to lawmakers Wednesday. Justice Lawton Nuss says they've been losing staff and have trouble recruiting new workers and judges because of low pay. Nuss is asking lawmakers for $40 million over two years for raises and other costs.
“I do have a concern that if this trend continues, our ability to provide justice to Kansans will suffer,” says Nuss.
The top budget writer in the House, Republican Representative Troy Waymaster, says other state employees also haven’t had a pay increase for several years. He says lawmakers are facing deficits for the coming two years so money is very tight.
“It’s going to be a tough sell, as are any enhancements that we’re going to be looking at when we look at the mega bill for ‘18 and ‘19 next week,” says Waymaster.
Chief Justice Nuss made his comments during the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the Legislature.