Sen. Creem speaks in support of civil legal aid funding during Senate budget debate

The following are remarks by Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, during the Massachusetts Senate budget debate on May 24, 2018.

“I would like to speak to amendment #992, an MLAC amendment. We voted in support of it. It provides $2 million for civil legal aid for those who can’t afford an attorney. 65 percent of those eligible are now turned away due to lack of resources. Every dollar spent on civil legal aid brings in $2 to $5. This provides a modest increase and moves us to full funding of legal assistance. If we care about civil rights and due process, we all deserve the right to be represented. I think this is one of the most important things that we’re doing with this budget. I’m happy this was approved.”