The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Judicial Branch Budget this week. Senate File 2449 provides $175 million for the operation of Iowa’s courts statewide. That’s an increase of $6 million over last year.
Our efforts to boost funding for our courts over the last couple years are having good results. All of Iowa’s clerk of court offices, which had been forced to reduce hours during the national recession, are now open full time. Clerks help thousands of Iowans take care of court-related business every day. Clerks of court manage all court records, notify government agencies of court orders, and process fines, fees, court costs, child support, civil judgments and speeding tickets.
Senate File 2449 will allow the courts to maintain their current level of services and to expand Family Treatment Courts, which work with community professionals to help Iowans struggling with substance abuse or other problems that put them at risk of losing their parental rights. Family Treatment Courts offer Iowans intense guidance on how to stay off drugs, be good parents and make a positive contribution to their community. These programs have had excellent results in keeping families together and kids safe.
Iowa has earned its reputation for having one of the best court systems in the country. With this year’s budget, the Legislature is committed to continuing that success.