Language-access coordinator asks for part-time scheduler and tablet for video-remote interpreting

Suzette (language access) told the court that growing county population and court workload require in-house capacity for interpreters and coordination. She asked for a part-time scheduler/coordinator for two years, a part-time master court interpreter, a tablet for video-remote interpreting and travel/training resources, arguing contractor rates are high and in-house services would be more sustainable.

“Language access is gonna save your life,” she told commissioners during a scenario meant to illustrate the stakes for non‑English speakers in court. She cited certification requirements and high contractor rates in Houston and recommended incremental staffing to build county capability rather than rely on expensive per‑assignment contractors. Commissioners asked about judicial support and were told judges had indicated informal backing; the court agreed to consider the request as part of the overall budget process.