Chief Justice Jim Hannah said this morning in Hot Springs that Gov. Mike Beebe wouldn’t support making state trial court assistants state employees as a means of solving a problem caused by a decline in the dedicated court revenues meant to pay their salaries. This could be done legislatively, but it would be a hard fight without Beebe’s support.

Hannah spoke at the Judicial Council meeting. Beebe has provided some emergency money and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel diverted money from court settlements to meet paychecks for the 120 assistants, who handle scheduling and other duties for the state’s circuit judges. In remarks this morning, Hannah didn’t characterize Beebe’s response beyond a no. Reports have been circulating that Beebe laughed at the idea. It’s believable, even understandable, given the political hay Republicans are attempting to make about state payroll growth.

Advertisement

My wife is a circuit judge and her staff includes a trial court assistant so I’ll leave it at the bare bones of what I heard from others.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Glen Campbell on Daytrotter Next article Osborne auction moves to the farm