Topeka ? Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss wants legislators to divert $3.1 million from a statewide e-filing system to court-system salaries to avoid employee furloughs before July.

Nuss said Wednesday that revenues from court fees have fallen short of expectations, squeezing the judicial branch’s budget.

The chief justice spoke with reporters after delivering the annual State of the Judiciary address to about 170 people in the Supreme Court’s chamber.

Nuss’ speech touched on several efficiency initiatives without directly mentioning budget problems.

He also did not mention Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s call to change how Supreme Court justices are selected.

But afterward, Nuss defended the current system. An attorney-led nominating commission screens applicants for vacancies and names three finalists. The governor picks one, with no role for legislators.