Abrahamson spoke at the association's 2013 Legislative Exchange in Madison, where county officials gathered to discuss the important issues facing counties around the state.

The state invests less than one penny of every state tax dollar to support the judicial branch of government, including trial courts in all 72 counties and two levels of appellate courts, Abrahamson said.

"Courts play a crucial role in the quality of life in all Wisconsin communities.  The courts help ensure that the law is not just words written on paper but that the law has meaning.  The investment that the counties and the state make in the judicial system directly contributes to the economic health of our communities," Abrahamson said. Courts also resolve criminal cases and help settle disputes that have not been resolved amicably, including family disputes, she added.  

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2013-15 state budget request would help ensure a continued return on investment for the people of Wisconsin by boosting financial assistance to the counties and increasing compensation to attract and retain quality judges and staff.

"The court system, like everyone else, made sacrifices during difficult times.  The time for deferred maintenance, however, is coming to an end.  We need to tune up the system with more state funding," Abrahamson said.

Read the full release from Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson here.