March 1, 2010

REP. JOHNSON TESTIFIES TO KEEP WINDHAM COURTHOUSE OPEN

State Representative Susan Johnson testified in favor of keeping the Juvenile Courthouse in Windham open.

Although the General Assembly passed legislation that provided funding to keep the courthouse open, the governor vetoed the bill last fall. As a result, a number of courthouses and libraries throughout the state will have to shut down if the legislature does not restore funding.

Johnson told the state legislature's Judiciary Committee about the need that exists in Windham for this courthouse.

“Windham is one of the poorest districts in Connecticut. This state-of-the-art Juvenile Courthouse was built in our town, because of the great need we have in our community,” said Johnson. “Unless this bill is enacted, we will have to abandon this brand new building and juvenile cases will be moved to the Superior Court, which will in turn force civil court cases to be heard in Putnam—45 minutes to an hour away.”

Rep. Johnson went on to explain that moving court proceedings to Putnam would also add a financial burden to clients who would be forced to pay for their lawyers additional travel time to Putnam.

Representative Susan Johnson is serving her first term representing the 49th Assembly District in Windham. She serves on the Education, Energy & Technology, and Finance Revenue & Bonding Committees.