Thread: WLKY Investigates: Need For Court Interpreters Rising

Jefferson County Offers Interpreters In 41 Languages
By Steve Burgin/WLKY


LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- In the past five years, Kentucky has spent millions of dollars for court interpreters.

Demand for the service continues to rise, especially in Jefferson County.

Last year in Jefferson County courts, there were 10,500 requests for Spanish interpreters; nearly 14,000 requests were made the year before.

Spanish interpreters are called on every day at the Hall of Justice.

Rick Ary spends a lot of time in court. He speaks both Spanish and Portuguese.

Ary is one of more than 100 interpreters who assist thousands of people each year.

The state also has 15 full-time employees.

“We spent approximately, in fiscal 2010, $2 million on providing these services,â€

[quote]“What's happening now, you are seeing tax dollars going to interpreters for folks that have been in this country, sometimes second generations,â€