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CONGRESS MUST PROTECT LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE POOR, SAYS STATE BAR PRESIDENT VINCENT E. DOYLENew York State Bar Association President Vincent E. Doyle today urged
the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to reject attempts to slash
funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which provides vital
legal services to thousands of low-income Americans. “Economic hard times put added strain on low-income families,
especially when they face serious civil legal matters, such as eviction,
denial of veterans or disability benefits, child custody and orders of
protection. This is the wrong time to deny legal assistance to those in
need,” said Doyle of Buffalo (Connors & Vilardo). On Thursday, a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
voted to provide $328 million in the 2013 fiscal year. That is 18
percent less than the $402 million recommended by President Obama and
approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The LSC current budget
is $348 million. The Legal Services Corporation provides grants to local providers of
civil legal services across the nation, including $23 million for New
York agencies during the current fiscal year, down $4 million (17
percent) from the previous year. The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876. -30- |
