SJI Submits FY 2011 Budget Request to Congress

SJI recently submitted its FY 2011 Budget request to the House and Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittees. For FY 2011, SJI is requesting $6,273,000 to enhance its efforts to improve the quality of justice in the state courts. The request is $1,142,000 above the level provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117); and $727,000 below the level as authorized by the State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-372).

SJI remains the only source of federal funding dedicated exclusively to improving the quality of justice in state courts. There is a strong interest in continuing to support the State courts, since they handle over 97 percent of all the cases in the United States. The funding requested for FY 2011 will enable SJI to continue identifying issues that impact all courts, fostering innovative solutions, and sharing information on successful approaches nationwide.