May 17, 2010
STATE BAR URGES VITAL FUNDING FOR CIVIL LEGAL
SERVICES TO BE INCLUDED IN EMERGENCY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS
President Getnick Renews the Call to Ensure Access
to Justice for all New Yorkers
New York State Bar Association President Michael E. Getnick (Getnick
Livingston Atkinson & Priore, LLP of Utica and of counsel to Getnick
& Getnick of New York City) today issued the following statement
urging that funding for civil legal services be included as part of the
emergency budget appropriations currently being enacted in place of an
adopted state budget:
“The New York State Bar Association understands the daunting
fiscal challenges currently facing state leaders as they work to adopt a
state budget. However, failing to provide adequate funding for
civil legal services is tantamount to balancing the budget on the backs
of indigent New Yorkers who cannot afford a lawyer as they face
foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings. Legal service providers and
not-for-profits all across the State are turning away our most
vulnerable citizens at a time when they need help the most.
“Investing in civil legal services now will save the State
millions of dollars in future costs for public assistance, housing,
health care and other basic human needs. I urge that the necessary
funding be included in all emergency spending proposals going forward in
order for service providers and not-for-profits to fulfill their mission
of ensuring equal access to the justice system for all New
Yorkers.”
####
Founded in 1876, the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is
the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the
largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. The State
Bar’s programs and activities have continuously served the public
and improved the justice system for more than 130 years. For more
information, visit us at our Web site at www.nysba.org.
| 
News Center
