Arguing for funding is left to Michael Barrett, the state’s top public defender, who recently asked a House budget panel for money to pay for private attorneys’ help with conflict cases, or cases where one crime is committed with multiple defendants who may be scattered statewide.

Someday, under the plan, private attorneys may be volunteering in their place.

In the meantime, Barrett said he and Gov. Eric Greitens — both named as defendants in the ACLU’s lawsuit — have never spoken.

His most recent attempt at initiating contact was in response to the governor approving paid parental leave for executive branch employees. Greitens asked other departments to follow suit, but Barrett said that would be impossible for his office.

“To be sure, you did not create this mess; however, it is now ours to address and I stand ready to assist you with that effort,” Barrett wrote in a letter to Greitens.

Greitens has proposed some additional funding for public defenders in next year’s budget, but hasn’t released the $3 million held by his predecessor, Gov. Jay Nixon, this year.

Regardless of outside help, lawmakers still have a duty to address the issue statewide, Barrett said.