SACRAMENTO-- The Administrative Office of the Courts announced last week that it was slashing its workforce by about 180 employees by the end of June as a result of the state budget crisis.

Interim Administrative Director Jody Patel told the state Judicial Council that the Administrative Office's budget of $112.2 million was cut by 12 percent this fiscal year, and she is preparing for bigger cuts next fiscal year, officials stated.

"It's important we make these changes," Patel stated. "It is a painful process for everyone, especially for those losing their jobs. But we have little choice. Our budget has been cut by 18.2 percent during the last four years. In addition, we feel that a realignment of AOC operations was long overdue."

The state's Administrative Office serves as the administrative arm of the state's Judicial Council and provides many services including education, legal services, safety and security and information technology

California has 58 trial courts, one in each county.