SALEM — The Oregon Supreme Court’s new chief justice says state courts need more money to stay open and avoid delays.
Tom Balmer was sworn in Tuesday in Salem to a six-year term. He was chosen by the other justices to replace retiring Justice Paul De Muniz.
The chief justice is responsible for managing the state’s highest court and presenting the budget for the court system to lawmakers.
The Statesman Journal reports Balmer said budget cuts have delayed judgments in divorce and child-custody proceedings and contract disputes.
