If Chief Justice Leigh Saufley’s recent address to lawmakers sounded familiar, it was likely because she and her predecessors have been asking for the same thing – more money for security and staffing – for years. It is beyond time for the Legislature to devote more money to the state’s judiciary.

Chief Justice Saufley is not asking for a lot, just what is needed. Most of her requests – totaling about $1.7 million – are included in the governor’s supplemental budget and should be approved by lawmakers.

One of the most pressing needs is for improved security. Last year, entry screening was provided during 404 courthouse days throughout the state. As a result, more than 4,900 knives and sharp objects were stopped from being brought into a courthouse. Four guns were stopped at courthouse doors and people turned around 309 times upon seeing security in place.

The problem is that there are more than 9,000 courthouse days each year. Most days, the security screening equipment is not being used because money is lacking to pay the personnel to run it. Given the fact that people are bringing knives and guns to court, this is unacceptable.

The governor’s supplemental budget includes a modest $368,550 to hire seven additional court security officers. This is a good start, but Chief Justice Saufley estimates $3 million is needed to meet the state’s court security needs.

The chief justice is right that judicial matters involving children and families and criminal acts are a top priority. But, given limited resources, emphasis on this area has meant that business and consumer matters have taken a back seat. Forcing companies and customers to endure long waits to resolve legal problems does not help the state economy. To solve this, Chief Justice Saufley called for the creation of a business court, which is really a specialized docket rather than a new building or system.

She has asked for $1.28 million to hire four judges and support staff, money that is included in the governor’s supplemental budget. House Speaker John Richardson, who sponsored the bill creating such a court, presented the proposal to the Appropriations Committee Thursday.

One thing that is not in the governor’s budget is funding for a new family law magistrate, something that was supported by lawmakers last year. For a modest $82,000 in state funds, matched by $138,000 from the federal government, three people can be hired to ensure that children’s needs are

met during divorce and other family law proceedings. Lawmakers should find this money.

Also because of limited resources, the chief justice called for a moratorium on the expansion of “problem-solving courts” such as drug courts. These courts have shown great promise keeping drug abusers in treatment programs and out of jail, for example. Because finances limit the number of judges working in Maine, these courts cannot be expanded beyond the few counties they now serve. Lawmakers should look for money to allow these successful courts to serve more people.

The courts have been trying to handle more cases and assure security with too few resources. It’s time to give the judicial system it needs.