GOV, public defender can make cuts

Chicago Tribune (Mickey Ciokajlo; Carlos Sadovi contributing):

Cook County Public Defender Edwin Burnette said Wednesday that his office has complied with County Board President Todd Stroger's directive to cut its budget by 17 percent, a move that could result in the layoffs of up to 50 assistant public defenders.

Burnette said he was able to reach the budget target with fewer possible layoffs by incorporating other ideas, such as furloughs, four-day work weeks, and by harnessing private lawyers to do more pro bono work representing the office's clients. (emphasis added)

When the State's Attorney was told to cut by 17% he said it would be impossible without sacrificing justice.

Also, isn't getting private attorneys to take the cases pro bono effectively a tax on defense attorneys?

Can we outsource 17% of Stroger's security detail to the private sector on a pro bono basis?