State Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) today testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in support of state funding for a new courthouse in the City of Warren.

Robinson led the effort to sponsor the funding request and worked with Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), who joined as a co-sponsor. Robinson appeared before the committee alongside Warren City Council members Mindy Moore and Gary Boike, as well as Annette Gattari-Ross, the 37th District Court Administrator.

The 37th District Court, located in Warren, is requesting $10 million in state funding to help construct a new courthouse building. The current facility houses four judges, but the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has indicated the need for an additional judge to keep up with the court’s caseload, which is an increase of 25%.

“Warren is the 3^rd most populous city in Michigan and the 37th District Court is one of the busiest district courts in Macomb County,” said Robinson. “The current courtrooms are significantly smaller than the recommended standards and is functionally obsolete.”

According to SCAO standards, courtrooms should be between 1,600 and 1,700 square feet and include seating for approximately 80 people. However, the courtrooms in Warren are less than 1,100 square feet and can only accommodate about 40 people, which is roughly 50% below the recommended capacity.

“This investment would allow the City of Warren to better serve residents and ensure the court system has the space it needs to operate safely and efficiently,” said Robinson. “This funding would be a meaningful step toward supporting both the community and the judicial system for years to come bolstering the integrity of our court system and the rule of law.”