New law will help ease local courts' caseloads

Posted: August 21, 2009

A new law co-sponsored by State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) will help courtrooms in Winnebago and Boone counties cope with their burgeoning caseloads.

Senate Bill 1938 (Public Act 96-0108), which took effect on July 30, creates an additional associate judge for Winnebago County, as well as a new circuit judge for Boone County.

“I am very pleased the Governor signed this bill – our local courts face some of the biggest caseloads in the state,” Syverson said. “These additional judges will help address the backlogs facing our local courtrooms.”

The Senator, along with co-sponsor Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Clare), worked with local officials, including Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen and Senate Democrats to ensure the state-line area was included in the measure, which initially only included additional judges in Lake and Will Counties. “By working together, we are delivering for the Rockford area,” Syverson said. “This year, Winnebago County received more than its fair share of funding under the capital construction program and now our local courts will see some critical relief. While we still have some major problems to address, this year has seen some solid successes for our area that we can continue to build on as we move ahead.”

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