Senate Journal: Page 47: Wednesday, January 16, 2002
The following members of Chief Justice Lavorato's family were
escorted into the House chamber:
His wife Janis Lavorato; his son Anthony Lavorato; his son
Dominick Lavorato, and his guest Lori Wilson; his stepdaughter
Jenna Green; his brother Charles and wife Carolyn; his sister-in-law
Delayne Johnson, and her son Jacob Johnson; and his brother-in-law
Ed Busing.
The committee waited upon Governor Vilsack and escorted him
into the House chamber.
The committee appointed waited upon Chief Justice Lavorato and
escorted him to the Speaker’s station.
President Kramer then presented Chief Justice Lavorato, who
delivered the following Condition of the Iowa Judiciary Message:
Mr. Speaker, Madam President, Members of the General Assembly, Governor
Vilsack, distinguished guests, and friends.
Thank you for the kind invitation to appear before you today. It is an honor for the
Iowa Judicial Branch, as well as a personal privilege for me, to report to you on the
condition of Iowa’s court system. This address is our opportunity to share with you and
the people of Iowa our current assessment of the administration of justice in this state.
We have enjoyed a strong relationship with you based upon candor, cooperation, and
mutual respect. Today, I wish to address you in that spirit.
First, permit me to digress for a moment so that I may recognize some special
guests. I would like to acknowledge Justice Michael Streit, the newest member of the
Iowa Supreme Court, and Judge Larry Eisenhauer, the newest member of the Iowa
Court of Appeals.
This brings to me why we are here: the condition of Iowa’s judicial branch. This
year I must report that the state of the judiciary reflects the times in which we live;
events beyond our control have thrown us into a state of uncertainty about the future.
Access to justice is a paramount concern for us as we try to manage in the wake of the
recent budget cut.
I intend to begin with a review of the steps we took to balance our operating budget
and explain how we’re coping. Then I will proceed to discuss some recommendations
for streamlining the court system. I will conclude with our goals for the future.
BUDGET REDUCTIONS: FOCUSING ON OUR MISSION
Although the judicial branch is a separate branch of government, we do not work in
a vacuum. It is up to you to provide us with the tools and resources we need to do the
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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Last update: Tue Mar 26 15:10:01 CST 2002
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