Area legislators comment on State of Judiciary speech

By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICAN

While Iowa Chief Justice Marsha Ternus predicted some delays and service disruptions given the state's budgetary constraints, local legislators seemed to accepting of the idea.

Ternus said instead of massive, system-wide layoffs, many workers in the judiciary may be facing some unpaid furloughs. It is a solution that may hold promise for others in the state as well, according to Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama.

"I hope the entire system and all our agencies look at that type of solution rather than straight layoffs," he said.

Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, said that such a situation was not ideal, but may be the best choice when there are no easy answers.

Ternus said the decision would not come without consequences. Most of those would be in the form of delays, which may make justice a little less swift for some.

However, Horbach noted there were ways of dealing with such issues.

"We make allowances for employees' vacations now," he said. "People will cover. Of course, it will have to create some delays. Otherwise, that person on furlough would have no value if the job could be handled just as well without them there."

Overall, both legislators said they were impressed with Ternus' speech and are waiting for the details of her budget.

"Chief Justice Ternus did a good job of outlining the challenges in the judiciary," Smith said.

Horbach said the thing he took away from the speech was that it included a lot of optimism not heard around the Iowa Statehouse this year.

"I'm very encouraged and energized that she still believes the court system can do a lot to ensure justice for all Iowans," he said.

---

Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com