Stroger finds $25 mil. as union sues
If delivered, the funds will alleviate two issues of concern to lawyers in the criminal courts: Shorter work weeks for public defenders and alleged pay disparity suffered by prosecutors. Indeed, Stroger's announcement came the same day the union representing public defenders sued the County Board over his proposal for a four-day work week.
"My amendments are a reflection of what I believe is the restoration of vital, necessary programs and services," Stroger said in a statement.
They also will restore $1.8 million to the state's attorney's office, he said. That money will be used to establish pay parity between prosecutors and public defenders. Assistant state's attorneys on average earn $9,100 less than public defenders, according to State's Attorney Richard Devine.
The funds also will save the state's attorney's "drug school" program from the budget ax.
"We are gratified that these two important issues have been resolved, but there remain a number of other items in our operation that need to be addressed," said Devine spokesman John Gorman.
Both offices still will have to cut jobs, Mayberry said.
Other programs to be saved by the $25 million include drug therapy for AIDS treatment at several clinics and the Access to Care health program.
The money will come from the transfer of $13.2 million from the Forest Preserves, $4.25 million from the sale of the old Domestic Violence Courthouse, the elimination of jobs exempt from the federal Shakman decree and other sources, Mayberry said.