Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Funding Crisis Prompts Creation of State-Level Court Funding Task Force

In an effort to develop a plan for adequate, stable, long-term funding of Washington’s trial courts, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander announced the formation of the Board for Judicial Administration’s Court Funding Task Force.  It will be chaired by Seattle attorney Wayne Blair. 

“I’m delighted that Mr. Blair has agreed to chair this effort,” said Chief Justice Gerry Alexander.  “This group’s recommendations will have large-scale implications for the judiciary for years to come, and the effort will benefit greatly from his proven leadership and experience.” 

The Task Force will meet for the first time next Monday (October 7) in Seattle, and will work to find solutions to the many funding shortfalls by reviewing all aspects of Washington’s current funding structure and offering recommendations for change to the 2004 Legislature.

Wayne Blair served as the President of the Washington State Bar Association in 1999, President of the King County Bar Association in 1988 and just ended a term as the Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition in September of 2002.   Blair is a partner in the Seattle Law Firm of Montgomery, Purdue, Blankinship and Austin. 

The Task Force includes 32 members from a broad cross-section of the legal, legislative, academic and judicial community in Washington State.  A membership list and further information regarding the Task Force is available on the Washington Courts website at http://www.courts.wa.gov/board/bja/cftf/

CONTACTS:   Wayne Blair, Montgomery, Purdue, Blankinship and Austin 206-682-7090 or Chief Justice Gerry Alexander 360-357-2029.

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