“The leadership of the State Bar is grateful that our state elected officials have come together to find a common path forward to advance the state budget for a vote. While there are still several steps remaining in the budget process, we are pleased to note that the long-awaited return of funding for a staff position for the Judicial Council was included in the Joint Finance Committee’s final actions.
“The Judicial Council is a 21-member statutory board that plays a pivotal, though often unseen, role in studying and developing court rules and procedures that benefit the justice system as a whole.
“We are also grateful that Milwaukee County has received funding for position allocations of 12.5 ADA positions through a change in state law that allows Milwaukee County to retain 100% of fine and forfeiture revenues from violations of state traffic laws.
“We note, however, that the committee again declined to include funding increases for civil legal services, which provide critical assistance to many Wisconsinites who need legal help to access justice. These include military veterans pursuing disability benefits, parents seeking protection from domestic abuse, and elderly individuals facing financial exploitation.
“In 2023, the state’s two largest legal aid providers were forced to turn away more than 70% of eligible applicants due to lack of funding. A 2023 study by the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation found that every $1 invested in civil legal aid yields $8 in economic and social value.
“The State Bar will continue to work to educate both the public and policymakers on the importance of adequately funding civil legal aid in Wisconsin.”
Dan Gartzke, president of the State Bar of Wisconsin
Stephen Sawyer, president-elect of the State Bar of Wisconsin
Ryan Billings, immediate past president of the State Bar of Wisconsin
