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Tag Archives: SPD

Budget proposal supports growing State Public Defenders office (UPDATE)

An update of outdated eligibility standards to qualify for a Wisconsin State Public Defender is one step closer to becoming a reality. Gov. Scott Walker’s 2011-13 budget proposal allocates about $10 million to support additional staff attorneys needed to accommodate the change. The money would cover salaries and benefits for 45 new positions, according to the State Public Defender’s office. ...

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Public Defenders Office dealing with collective bargaining fallout

The Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office doesn’t expect a mass exodus of attorneys and staff if legislation passes that would effectively eliminate collective bargaining rights for government employees. But SPD Chair Daniel M. Berkos acknowledged that some losses are likely as a result of the proposed changes that seek to increase employee contributions to pensions and health care costs. “There ...

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Fee hikes an option for SPD

One of the longstanding barriers to giving private bar attorneys a raise for taking State Public Defender appointments has been cost.

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