The following quotes related to court budgets are from 2011 and 2012 State of the Judiciary Speeches.

Alabama (2011)

“The Court System at all levels must be adequately funded. Simply put, civilized society depends on the Court System, and the Court System depends upon you, the Legislative branch, to fund us so that we can carry out our constitutional duties.”

Alaska (2011)

“In our justice system, we can’t make decisions based strictly on the ledger books because there is a broader purpose to be served. Justice is costly, but it is essential to who we are as a people.”

Colorado (2011)

“No matter how capable our judges, they cannot be effective unless adequate resources are provided.”

Connecticut (2011)

“Although we are hoping for the best, we also must prepare for the worst, and I will tell you that we are working on contingency plans to address whatever happens going forward. I feel it is important to let you know that, if there are ultimately more significant cuts or layoffs, the branch that we know today will look very different in the future.”

Georgia (2011)

“Despite budget cuts, we have the duty to protect access to justice for all. We have the duty to uphold the Constitutions of our state and nation and the laws that you pass. We have the duty to protect individuals’ rights.”

Hawaii (2011)

“Adequately funding the state court system is an investment in justice, and an investment in our community, that should not be compromised even during tough economic times. Justice is not something that should be rationed. The costs of attempting to do so will be far higher in the long run, than any savings that can be realized now.”

Iowa (2012)

“All of us in the Judicial Branch have put our system of justice first, and this has made it better. But, the months and months of cuts have turned to years and years of cuts, and those years have now stretched into a decade. The spirit that has inspired us to do so well is challenged, and too often, we are forced to operate in ways that we do not want to operate because we know to do so is not good for Iowans. Not only does this cause problems for Iowans, it undermines the public’s confidence in the reliability of our justice system and hinders the state in achieving its goal of a vibrant economy.”

Kansas (2011)

“As one news service said it so well just last week, "The emaciation of the court system undermines not only access to justice, but also the public's belief in the justice system."

Louisiana (2011)

“Even though the state judiciary’s budget is only ½ of 1 percent of the total state budget, adequate funding of our branch of government guarantees an independent judiciary by enabling us to discharge our constitutionally mandated duties and responsibilities of resolving disputes and adjudicating cases.”

Maine (2011)

“I must begin my presentation by reminding us all that the Maine Judicial Branch has been substantially underfunded for decades.”

Missouri (2011)

“Despite the state’s economic condition, whether dipping or hopefully recovering, our work load does not diminish. The court system is a core function of government that must perform, and perform well, for our state to function and thrive.”

Montana (2011)

“As an independent third branch of government, our responsibilities are great but our needs are small. Our budget is less than 2 percent of the general fund.”

Nebraska (2011)

“The courts are not just another agency line item in the State’s budget. Our courts are a constitutional branch of government, co-equal with the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch.”

Nevada (2011)

“Thus, the core function, if you will, of the Judicial Branch is to resolve disputes under the rule of law – our Constitution – in a fair, impartial, and timely manner. That is the Judicial Branch’s responsibility under the Constitution, which is what we must do, despite the budget challenges we face today.”

New Mexico (2011)

“But the practical reality is this: Furlough closures of backlogged courts don’t save a dime for the taxpayer or for the government. It’s not like a furlough closure of a museum or a park or a tourist train, where you can actually save money by cutting services to the public on a given day. The work of busy courts just gets even more backed up and still takes the same resources, the same employee time, the same expense to process.”

New York (2011)

“Between the irresistible force of the economy on one side, and the immovable object of record dockets on the other, the Judiciary must continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.”

South Dakota (2011)

“We must be fiscal realists based on our current situation. But we also must go ahead and plan for a future which will carry with it a brighter day. Why? It is due to the fact that there is no moratorium on crime, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic abuse, or the need for access to justice. If anything, our current economic woes have increased these problems.”

Texas (2011)

“We are a nation and state that believes the law provides protection for those who are most powerful, for those who are most vulnerable. But today, the courthouse door is closed to many who have lost their jobs, to military veterans who are on the streets, to women who suffer physical abuse.”

Washington (2011)

“In closing, on behalf of the dedicated judges of Washington State, I would like to reinforce our commitment to the rule of law in our democracy. Your judges will steadfastly continue their efforts to ensure the promise of equal justice for all Washington citizens…In large part, the cornerstone of this commitment rests upon adequate and stable funding for the trial courts and we pledge to stay the course in achieving this long-term goal.”