State Bar President Issues Statement in Response to Governor's Commentary on Judiciary Budget

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Frank Ciervo Associate Director, Media Services Department (518) 487-5532 fciervo@nysba.org

January 17, 2006

ALBANY – New York State Bar Association President A. Vincent Buzard of Rochester (Harris Beach PLLC) released the following statement in response to Gov. Pataki’s commentary, released today, regarding the judiciary budget:

“We applaud the governor for his understanding of the many mandated financial obligations that the court system must fulfill and their impact on the judicial budget. We are pleased to join him in strong support of the Unified Court System’s request for increased compensation for New York’s state judges.

“We also join with him in commending Judge Kaye for her vision, her steadfast dedication to improving access to justice for all New Yorkers, and her strong commitment to make New York’s judiciary and its innovative programs a model for other jurisdictions throughout the nation.”

In commenting on the court’s overall budget request, Buzard reaffirmed the State Bar’s longstanding position on the issue. “The quality of justice and our legal system depends on the quality of our judiciary. The system works only if judges are qualified, competent and independent. Providing our state’s judges with an appropriate salary adjustment, one that is in line with the federal judiciary, will help ensure a highly capable and diverse state bench. The time to act is now!”

Buzard added that the Association supports the establishment of a mechanism that would provide for regular salary increases for New York state judges determined in a manner that is free from political considerations, and that salary increases should be the same in each of the state’s 62 counties for judges presiding in courts at the same level. He also emphasized that judicial salary increases should be retroactive to April 2005.

Buzard reiterated that the State Bar would reach out to the Legislature to promote proper funding for the judiciary.

“It is beyond dispute that adequate funding is necessary for the essential functions of the courts. While sensitive to the State’s economic condition, and the need to get the greatest return for the taxpayer’s dollar, we strongly urge approval of the judicial branch’s budget without any additional reduction in funding,” he said.