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AUTHORIZING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR JUDICIARY'S FY2026 BUDGET
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WHEREAS, the Judiciary submitted a proposed FY2026 budget consisting of $5,194,829 in expenses, $900,000 in State interpreter reimbursements, $4,150 in State Grants, and $345,000 in general revenue; and
WHEREAS, per Madam Chair's letter dated October 2, 2025, the County Board adopted Resolution 25-277 which allocated Judiciary the amount of $4,128,899 for General Fund expenses, without any allocation for interpreter reimbursements, State grants and general revenue; and
WHEREAS, the allocated expense amount per the County Board is a budget reduction for Judiciary in the amount of $1,065,930; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Supreme Court has stated that the fair administration of justice requires that our courts be language accessible to all people, including those who are limited English proficient or are deaf or hard of hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Supreme Court's Language Access Policy directs that each circuit must develop an annual written Language Access Plan to provide a framework for the provision of Language Access Services for Limited English Proficient Persons; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Supreme Court's Language Access Policy states that no fee shall be charged to any Limited English Proficient Person for the appointment of an interpreter, and that the cost of providing interpreter services shall be the responsibility of the county or court that has jurisdiction over the judicial proceeding for which the interpreter was appointed; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Supreme Court has established a process of reimbursement for circuits who choose to use certified and registered interpreters off of the AOIC Interpreter Registry; and
WHEREAS, Judiciary, as responsible stewards of the County's allocation, applies for, submits vouchers, and receives State of Illinois reimbursements every year for ou...
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