Seventeen court reporters work in the local judicial circuit which includes McLean County. (Photo by B Corbin/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Court reporters in Illinois might not be reporting for work soon unless the state comes up with the money.

Illinois is short $14 million when it comes to paying court reporters. There are 17 of them in the 11th Judicial Circuit which covers McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan and Woodford counties.

McLean County Board member and retired judge Bill Caisley said the courts can't hardly operate without them.

"The circuit court really cannot function very well, it cannot take evidence at least – without a court reporter present," Caisley said. He added attorneys could pay for a court reporter if they wished.

Caisley said it's out of the county's hands, but he expects lawmakers will be persuaded to make sure they find the money somewhere.

"Judges can be fairly persuasive individuals with members of the legislative," Caisley quipped. "I would expect members of the legislature will be hearing from judges about this."

State prisons and child care services for low-income families are also in danger of running out of state money in the next few weeks.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].