Rep. Kurt Heise on Judicial Reform Proposal

Editor's note: This statement was emailed from State Rep. Kurt Heise, R-Plymouth, following testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on the proposal he supports to cut 45 trial judge seats:

The House Judiciary Committee [Thursday] began the process of making necessary reforms to our state's judicial system. These changes will allow our court system to continue to provide high levels of service, while being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.

We will be able to reduce the number of trial court judgeships and Court of Appeals judgeships by attrition. As a judge leaves office or passes away, the seats will not be filled. This will enable us to fulfill the recommendations set forth by the State Court Administrative Office to eliminate 45 trial court and 28 Court of Appeals judgeships.

This is the first committee meeting of several where we will hear testimony and have important discussion about the best way to balance our judicial system, before making recommendations to the full House of Representatives.