Budget crunch being felt by New Mexico jurors

ALBUQUERQUE - New Mexico jurors and court interpreters are the latest group to feel the pinch of a budget crunch that has all of state government tightening its belt.

A fund that pays jurors and interpreters has been struggling for several years and the shortfall is now approaching $1 million, according to court and legislative officials.

Analysts with the Legislative Finance Committee, which is instrumental in crafting the state budget each year, suggested this week that the gap could be lessened if the courts slash juror pay rates to $4.25 an hour.

State statute calls for jurors to be paid at least minimum wage, but the state Supreme Court has been authorized by the Legislature over the last few years to adjust the payments due to consistent underfunding.

Read more: http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2016/08/23/budget-crunch-being-felt-new-mexico-jurors/89213418/