After LA Superior Court announced it will shut courthouse doors to the public one day a month, court employees represented by SEIU and other unions spoke out about the impact on services.
“We represent the kids in LA County that come through the foster care system. We’re dealing with an extremely vulnerable population. For us it’s another day that children have to sit in foster care, and it could end up costing the County and the state more money.”
> Attorney Damien Rosen of the Children’s Law Center
LA Superior Court announced the closure and furloughs for Court employees on May 19 in the face of a $90 million budget gap. SEIU members are working to stop the closures, which would start July 1.
All Court Employees Will “Feel Impact” of Closures
State law exempts judges from court closures, but SEIU members called for them to share in finding solutions.
“I don’t think judges should just sit back because they can’t be affected by cuts. They will feel some impact as well.”
> Court Reporter Arnella Sims, speaking to the Los Angeles Times. She said judges and other court employees should work together to keep courts open. Read the story now at latimes.com.
“Some judges may enjoy having the paid day off, but for most it’s going to be a burden,” said Rosen of the Children’s Law Center.