Equal Justice Coalition Honors Massachusetts Legislators for Championing Civil Legal Aid

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Awardees pose at the 2023 Beacon of Justice ceremony (L to R: Senator James Eldridge, Senator Cindy Friedman, Representative Michael Day, Representative Ruth Balser, Representative Christine Barber, and Senator Joanne Comerford)

On Thursday, October 19, the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) held a special event at the Massachusetts State House to formally recognize seven legislators who have been “Beacons of Justice” on the hill. This year’s honorees were selected by a committee for their unwavering support of civil legal aid funding through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) budget line item.

MLAC is the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts. In FY24, the legislature appropriated $49 million to organizations that provide legal assistance to people with low incomes who are facing critical, non-criminal legal issues including domestic violence, eviction, unemployment benefits, and more.

Beacon of Justice Awards were presented to:

  • Representative Christine Barber (D, 34th Middlesex)
  • Senator Joanne Comerford (D, Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester)
  • Representative Michael Day (D, 31st Middlesex)
  • Senator Cindy Friedman (D, 4th Middlesex)

The EJC also recognized past Beacon of Justice Award recipients who are longstanding champions of civil legal aid by naming them to the Beacon of Justice Hall of Fame.

Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka

Hall of Fame awards were presented to:

  • Representative Ruth Balser (D, 12th Middlesex)
  • Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D, Norfolk and Middlesex)
  • Senator James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)

After years of virtual meetings, attendees enjoyed reuniting in person over coffee, tea, and desserts.

Senate President Karen Spilka kicked off the ceremony with a powerful message about what drives her and her colleagues at the State House: “Of all the motivations for getting things done in the Senate, few are as powerful as the words in our state constitution: equal justice for all.”

MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker

MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker thanked this year’s honorees for their efforts and advocacy in support of civil legal aid. “With the support of those we are honoring today,” she said, “more people will receive legal advice and representation. More low-income individuals and families will be able to remain in their homes; more will receive the benefits and wages they are entitled to; more survivors of domestic violence will obtain the vital protections they need for themselves and their children to stay safe and free from harm; and more seniors, veterans and those with disabilities will get legal representation when they need it most.”

Massachusetts Bar Association President Damian Turco, Boston Bar Association President Hannah Kilson, and MLAC Board Chair Mala Rafik also gave heartfelt remarks about the importance of promoting equal justice for all.

Boston Bar President Hannah Kilson

“I always wanted to be a lawyer to help people, but to me, the representatives we choose personify the concept of helping others,” Mala said. “I have tremendous admiration … for those of us who use their voice to stand up for their neighbors, particularly those whose voices have been stifled for so many reasons.”

The ceremony served as a reminder of the incredible impact a group of committed advocates can have on removing barriers to justice, stability, and opportunity for residents of our Commonwealth.

 

MLAC Commends Governor Healey and Legislature for $49 Million Appropriation for Civil Legal Aid in FY24 Budget

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BOSTON, August 9, 2023 – Earlier today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law the FY24 Budget of the Commonwealth, which includes $49 million for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) to provide funding to civil legal aid organizations through line item 0321-1600. This marks an $8 million increase over the FY23 allocation.

MLAC is the largest funder for our state’s civil legal aid organizations, which provide free representation, guidance, and resources to people with low incomes who are facing civil legal problems that threaten their access to basic needs. Last year, MLAC-funded organizations helped more than 96,000 people across Massachusetts secure safety, shelter, and economic stability. Civil legal aid attorneys handle a wide range of non-criminal cases, including eviction and housing instability, consumer fraud, domestic protection orders, workers’ rights violations and wage theft, access to equitable education services, and more.

MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker expressed her appreciation to Governor Healey and the Legislature, saying, “This investment will make a difference in the lives of people and families struggling to make ends meet. When faced with a civil legal crisis, our state’s most vulnerable residents have no means of hiring an attorney. Without representation, the odds are stacked against people with low incomes; for example, data from housing court shows unrepresented tenants facing eviction are much more likely to lose their case than tenants who come to court with an attorney by their side.”

Households with an annual income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for civil legal aid funded through MLAC’s line item. In 2023, that threshold is $37,500 for a family of four and $18,255 for an individual.

In several key areas, demand for legal aid from MLAC-funded organizations has increased significantly over the past three years. During FY20-FY22, closed case averages show that unemployment insurance cases increased by 320%, domestic violence cases increased by 40%, and landlord-tenant cases increased by 23%.

“Our Commonwealth is committed to the goal of ensuring a fair and accessible justice system for all,” said Parker. “Making this a reality takes intentional, strategic investment. With $49 million in FY24, Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations will continue to employ more attorneys and other staff, assist more people across the state, expand their partnerships, and innovate to meet new and developing needs.”

Parker noted that MLAC is also grateful for the dedicated support of the Equal Justice Coalition, which includes the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association; managing partners of many of the state’s largest law firms; corporate in-house counsels; representatives from area law schools; and social services organizations across the Commonwealth.

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MLAC Applauds Massachusetts House of Representatives FY24 Budget

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BOSTON, April 12, 2023 – Earlier today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee released its FY24 budget proposal, which includes $49 million for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600.

MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker says that by fully funding MLAC’s request, Massachusetts State Representatives demonstrated their understanding of legal aid’s critical role supporting our most vulnerable neighbors across the Commonwealth.

“MLAC is grateful to our state representatives for supporting civil legal aid, which serves as a lifeline for Massachusetts residents in crisis,” says Parker. “Over the years, their critical investments in MLAC have enabled attorneys, paralegals, and other legal aid staff to help tens of thousands of people secure essential basic needs including housing, health care and employment security.”

In order to receive legal services funded through the MLAC line-item, people and families with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($37,500 per year for a family of four; $18,225 for an individual) qualify for civil legal aid.

“We thank Speaker Ron Mariano, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Ways and Means Vice Chair Ann-Margaret Ferrante for their commitment to MLAC and civil legal aid. We also thank Division Chair Ruth Balser, House Judiciary Chair Michael Day, and House members who supported the FY24 increase. This investment is greatly appreciated and impactful.”

Civil legal aid organizations deliver a unique, essential service: they provide no-cost representation to income-eligible clients on a wide variety of non-criminal cases, including consumer issues, domestic protection orders, educational services, wage theft, and more. In FY22, Massachusetts legal aid organizations handled nearly 43,000 cases.

MLAC’s line item in the state budget is the largest funding source for Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations.

Representative Ruth B. Balser (D-Newton), a longtime supporter and advocate for civil legal aid, recognizes that our state’s legal aid organizations are a critical component of our state’s safety net. “With $49 million in FY24, civil legal aid organizations will bolster their capacity to deliver necessary services to more eligible residents and expand their impact through partnerships and systemic advocacy,” she says. “I am proud that the House continues to show its commitment to ensuring that low-income residents of the Commonwealth will have equal access to justice.”

“This budget continues the welcome trend of making substantial increases in state funding to MLAC, which means that Massachusetts has been able to provide legal aid to significantly more individuals who would have otherwise been denied representation simply because of their lack of financial resources,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham). “This FY24 funding will help legal aid organizations continue to help more of our neighbors in need.”

The Massachusetts Senate is expected to release its budget in May.

MLAC Commends Governor Healey for FY24 Budget with Increased Investment in Civil Legal Aid

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BOSTON, March 1, 2023 – Earlier today, Governor Maura Healey issued her FY24 state budget recommendations, which included $49 for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600.

“MLAC is grateful for Governor Healey’s outstanding commitment to supporting civil legal aid, and we applaud her increased investment of $8 million in state-appropriated funds for these services in FY24,” says MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker. “This is the amount necessary to keep our state’s civil legal aid organizations operating at a pace that can meet increasing demand and address workforce retention and recruitment issues in the current economic climate.” People and families with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($37,500 per year for a family of four; $18,255 for an individual) qualify for civil legal aid.

Civil legal aid can be a lifeline for people who cannot afford to hire an attorney when faced with serious issues related to their safety, shelter, or economic security. The end of pandemic-era relief programs, rising housing costs, and inflation have all contributed to increased demand for civil legal aid. Compared to the three years before the pandemic (FY17–FY19), case averages from FY20– FY22 reveal a 320% increase in unemployment insurance cases; a 40% increase in domestic violence cases; a 23% increase in private landlord/ tenant cases; and a 29% increase in immigration/ naturalization cases.

“As the largest funder of civil legal aid organizations in the Commonwealth, MLAC receives the majority of its funding from the annual state budget line item 0321-1600,” Parker says. “This investment directly supports Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations, which provide critical representation and resources to people with low incomes who face barriers to accessing their most basic needs.

“In recent years, increases in state appropriated funding have helped Massachusetts legal aid organizations serve more people and improve efficiencies. Just a few years ago, 57% of people who qualified for legal aid and sought help were denied representation. Last year, that rate was 47%. More investment in these programs will keep this trend moving in the right direction.”

“Our state’s civil legal aid organizations extend justice to our neighbors and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth,” Parker says. “We thank Governor Healey for the increased investment, which furthers the Commonwealth’s goal of upholding the promise of equal justice for all.  MLAC looks forward to working collaboratively with the state legislature to approve this allocation of $49 million for civil legal aid in the final FY24 budget.”

Photo of Maura Healey, smiling, in front of green wall and framed painting.

Talk to the Hill draws more than 1,000 people to support $49M for civil legal aid in FY24

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BOSTON, January 27– On Thursday, Governor Maura Healey, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, bar association leaders, and legal aid clients joined a virtual gathering of more than 1,000 people – including 755 members of the private bar and several dozen law students – for Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid. The event kicked off the Equal Justice Coalition‘s campaign to support $49 million in the FY24 state budget for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, which funds civil legal aid organizations across the state. Civil legal aid organizations provide legal advice and representation at no cost to Massachusetts residents with low incomes. People and families with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($37,500 per year for a family of four) qualify for civil legal aid.

The Walk to the Hill lobby day event, which engages members of the private bar and is now in its 24th year, has been held in a virtual format since the COVID-19 pandemic.

After hearing from the program’s speakers, attendees joined breakout rooms with their legislators. These meetings offered a unique opportunity for private attorneys and law students to speak directly to legislators and share why they believe civil legal aid is critically important.

Photo of Maura Healey speaking in front of green wall and framed painting.

Maura Healey speaks at Talk to the Hill 2023

In her opening remarks, Governor Healey, a longtime supporter of civil legal aid, said she looks forward to “continuing this partnership to make sure that every Massachusetts resident has access to the legal representation they deserve, and to make our state more just and equal for all.”

Healey also noted that legal aid services have become even more critical throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “That’s why we need legal aid to be strong,” she said. “Not only to handle the uptick of cases we’ve seen, but also to help us address systemic problems, level the playing field, and secure access to justice for everyone who needs it.”

Screenshot of Chief Justice Budd speaking on video, with blurred background and close captioned text reading "The need is clear."

Chief Justice Budd speaks during the program.

Chief Justice Budd spoke about the importance of legal aid in maintaining confidence in the legal system. She referenced a recent nationwide poll conducted by the National Center for State Courts that asked respondents if they believe the court system is fair.

“The responses from people of color were particularly concerning,” Chief Justice Budd said. “Approximately 60% of Black and Hispanic respondents said that the phrase ‘provide[s] equal justice to all’ does not describe state courts.

There are undoubtedly many complex factors that contribute to this perception of unfairness. But one concrete step that we can take … is to increase the availability of counsel for people who cannot afford a lawyer.”

Powerful testimonials

Photo of Simi, smiling, in green sweater in front of gray wall and blue painting

Simi shares her legal aid story.

Client speakers included Simi, a young woman who connected with the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts for help with an immigration issue. Simi was 16 when her hometown in Nigeria was attacked by terrorists while she was studying at a summer program in New England, for which she’d earned a scholarship. “I got scared,” Simi said, “and I decided to not go back. It was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make.”

“Having access to organizations like the Children’s Law Center, and lawyers like Jay [McManus] … it’s like a ticket to hope,” Simi said. “I’ve moved from just having hope to actualizing dreams that I never thought I’d accomplish in life.” With help from her attorney, Simi secured a green card in late 2019. She graduated from Wesleyan University last May.

Photo of Jim, smiling, in front of orange abstract painting

Jim, a legal aid client, shares his story.

A second client speaker, Jim, told his story of getting helped by his local legal aid with an unemployment issue. Jim worked in the bathroom remodeling business when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Afraid to risk his own health and the health of others (and heeding the advice of public health officials), Jim stopped going into other people’s homes for a period of time. He filed for Unemployment Insurance, and his application was approved. A year after he had received his benefits, however, Jim got a letter stating he was determined to be ineligible and needed to repay more than $35,000.

“I was shocked, to say the least,” says Jim. He contacted MetroWest Legal Services and an attorney took his case right away. The attorney represented Jim at a hearing and presented evidence supporting his appropriate refusal of jobs during a global pandemic. The judge ruled him eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance, and he did not have to repay any amount of the money he had rightfully received.

“When I contacted legal aid and found out they were willing to work with me on this case, I was relieved tremendously,” Jim told the Talk to the Hill crowd. “It meant a significant difference to my emotional and financial health.”

More funding in FY24 is critical

Louis Tompros, Partner at WilmerHale in Boston, serves as Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition which coordinates the event each year. Tompros says the impact of increased state appropriated funding is evidenced by improvements in the number of eligible residents served. A few years ago, 57% of people who met financial requirements and applied for help were denied representation; today that number is 47%.

While it is encouraging that organizations are accepting more cases, Tompros emphasizes that “nearly half of the people who are eligible still do not receive representation simply because staff resources are insufficient.”

Lynne Parker, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, says that since the pandemic began, “We’ve seen dramatic increases in housing cases and unemployment cases, for example. Responding to these and other urgent needs requires a robust workforce of legal aid staff. More funding will help recruit and retain skilled advocates needed to make justice for all a reality in Massachusetts.”

The recorded program is available for viewing at ejctalktothehill.org.

List of Speakers:

  • Governor Maura Healey
  • Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, Supreme Judicial Court
  • Grace V.B. Garcia, President of the Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Chinh H. Pham, President of the Boston Bar Association
  • Lynne Parker, Executive Director, Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
  • Jacquelynne J. Bowman, Executive Director, Greater Boston Legal Services
  • Legal aid clients who received help over the past year
  • Host: Louis Tompros, Chair, Equal Justice Coalition

Additional Coverage of Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid:

 

Invite graphic with white speech bubble over purple background. Reads "Registration is open! January 26, 2023 11:00 AM. Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid. RSVP at ejctalktothehill.org"

Hundreds of lawyers, advocates to join virtual “Talk to the Hill” event asking Massachusetts state legislators for increased civil legal aid funding

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January 26 lobby day seeks $49M for civil legal aid in FY24 

BOSTON, January 24 – Governor Maura Healey, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, bar association leaders, and legal aid clients will join a virtual gathering of hundreds of private attorneys and law students on Thursday, January 26, at 11 a.m. for Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid. They will urge state legislators to support $49 million in the FY24 state budget for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to fund organizations that provide legal advice and representation at no cost to Massachusetts residents with low incomes. People and families with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($37,500 per year for a family of four) qualify for civil legal aid. 

The Walk to the Hill lobby day event, which engages members of the private bar and is now in its 24th year, has been held in a virtual format since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

After hearing from the program’s speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to join Zoom breakout rooms with their legislators. These meetings offer a unique opportunity for private attorneys and law students to speak directly to policymakers and share why they believe civil legal aid is important.  

Louis Tompros, Partner at WilmerHale in Boston, serves as Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition, which coordinates the event each year. Tompros says the impact of increased state appropriated funding is evidenced by improvements in the “turnaway rate,” or the percentage of people who are financially eligible to be represented by a legal aid attorney but are turned away due to a lack of resources. 

While organizations are accepting more cases than they were a few years ago, “nearly half of the people who are eligible still do not receive representation simply because staff resources are insufficient,” says Tompros. 

Lynne Parker, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, says the effects of COVID-19 are still being felt by people living in poverty. 

“Case numbers have risen since the pandemic in a number of areas. We’ve seen dramatic increases in housing cases and unemployment cases, for example,” Parker says, adding that, “Responding to these and other urgent needs requires a robust workforce of legal aid staff. More funding will help recruit and retain skilled advocates needed to make justice for all a reality in Massachusetts.” 

LIST OF SPEAKERS 

–Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
–Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court 
–Grace V.B. Garcia, President of the Massachusetts Bar Association 
–Chinh H. Pham, President of the Boston Bar Association 
–Lynne Parker, Executive Director, Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation 
–Jacquelynne J. Bowman, Executive Director, Greater Boston Legal Services 
–Legal aid clients who received help over the past year  
–Host: Louis Tompros, Chair, Equal Justice Coalition 

Media are welcome to attend the speaking program and the virtual event is open to the public. Please register at ejctalktothehill.org. 

About the EJC 
The Equal Justice Coalition is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Boston Bar Association, and Massachusetts Bar Association working to increase state funding for civil legal aid. 

www.equaljusticecoalition.org 
@equaljusticema 
#ITalkforJustice 

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63 General Counsels from Massachusetts-based corporations sign letter supporting $49 million in FY24 state funding for civil legal aid

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Their message: Massachusetts’s civil legal aid organizations are delivering on the promise of “justice for all” – and they need more support

BOSTON, January 12 – 63 general counsels sent a letter to Governor Healey this week in support of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s and the Equal Justice Coalition’s FY24 state budget request of $49 million for civil legal aid organizations.

Civil legal aid organizations provide representation, guidance, and resources at no cost to people who have low incomes and are facing problems that threaten their access to basic needs. Issues commonly addressed include housing, health care, employment, family issues, and domestic violence.

The letter’s signatories – who constitute a diverse group of attorneys from the Massachusetts business community – agree: civil legal aid changes lives. Most importantly, they say, our state’s civil legal aid organizations need more funding to meet the demands of a Commonwealth emerging from a global pandemic.

“There is no right to an attorney for most types of civil legal cases – including cases that could lead to loss of housing, domestic safety, or financial stability,” says Paul T. Dacier, General Counsel at Indigo, who signed the letter. “These are fundamental issues that significantly impact the most important people in our society. We should all want our systems to be fair and just – because when both sides have representation, justice is best served.”

On January 26, at 11am, Dacier and his fellow letter writers will join other attorneys and law students from across the state for an online event that marks the 24th annual lobby day for civil legal aid. “Talk to the Hill” for Civil Legal Aid is organized by the Equal Justice Coalition to support the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC)’s request for increased funding from the state legislature. MLAC, established by the legislature in 1983, is the largest funder of civil legal aid in the Commonwealth.

“By engaging members of the private bar to speak directly with legislators, ‘Talk to the Hill’ demonstrates the enormous level of support civil legal aid funding has across the Massachusetts legal community, including the corporate legal community,” says Dacier. “Our neighbors across the state are facing hard times right now. Housing instability, in particular, is a major issue. Legal aid organizations have seen a significant increase in demand for representation in housing cases since pandemic-era eviction moratoria expired.”

You can read the general counsels’ letter in its entirety at equaljusticecoalition.org/letter-campaign. The January 26 event is free and open to the public. Media are welcome and encouraged to attend. Speakers will include Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, leaders from the Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations, and clients who benefited from civil legal aid last year.

To register for “Talk to the Hill,” visit ejctalktothehill.org. Please register by January 24.

 

EJC recognizes 4 law firms and UMass Law for legal aid advocacy

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Awards recognize exceptional participation at the 2022 Talk to the Hill

The Equal Justice Coalition has recognized four law firms and UMass Law School for outstanding participation in the 2022 Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid.

The award winners are:

Ropes & Gray, winner of the Highest Participation Award

Goodwin Procter, winner of the Exceptional Support Award

Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, winner of the Nancy King Award

Goodwin Procter and Ropes & Gray (tie), winners of the Team Advocacy Award

UMass Law, winner of the Highest Participation for a Law School Award

Davis Malm, winner of the Social Media Advocacy Award

Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid is a lobby day for increased funding for civil legal aid organizations through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) state budget line item. The annual “Walk to the Hill,” event has been held virtually as “Talk to the Hill” for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last January, nearly 1,000 attorneys, law students, and advocates convened online to ask legislators to increase the state appropriation for civil legal aid by $6 million. The Commonwealth ultimately included the requested increase in the FY23 budget, appropriating a total of $41 million for civil legal aid.

This year’s lobby day will be held online January 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. Participants can register at ejctalktothehill.org/register. The speaking program will include Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, bar association presidents, other leaders in the legal community, and legal aid clients who will share how civil legal aid helped them overcome challenging circumstances. Lawyers, advocates, and law students will have the opportunity to speak with their legislators to lobby for $49 million in civil legal aid funding in FY24.

“MLAC is so grateful to private bar attorneys and law students for their efforts to support civil legal aid and promote equal access to justice for everyone, regardless of income,” said Lynne Parker, Executive Director of MLAC. “Legal aid is a lifeline for tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents each year, helping protect their health, safety, housing, employment, benefits, access to education and more. It is crucial that we increase funding for this essential service.”

About the Award Winners:

Ropes & Gray won the Highest Participation Award for having the largest group of lawyers attend.

Goodwin Procter received the Exceptional Support Award in recognition of having the second largest group of lawyers attend.

Meehan Boyle received the Nancy King for bringing the largest percentage of law firm employees to the Talk. The award is named for Nancy King, a longtime legal aid attorney in Boston who passed away in 2007.

Goodwin Procter and Ropes & Gray tied for the Team Advocacy Award, which is given to the law firm that visits the most legislative offices during the Talk to the Hill.

UMass Law earned the Highest Participation for a Law School Award for having the most law students attend.

Davis Malm received the inaugural Social Media Advocacy Award, an honor given to the law firm with the greatest number of posts about Talk to the Hill across social media channels, including participation in the #ITalkForJustice placard campaign.

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 About the EJC
The Equal Justice Coalition is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Boston Bar Association, and Massachusetts Bar Association, working to increase state funding for civil legal aid.


www.equaljusticecoalition.org
@equaljusticema
#ITalkforJustice

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MLAC applauds $41M for civil legal aid in FY23 Final Budget

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$6 million increase will address heightened need for legal services due to COVID-19

BOSTON, July 28, 2022 – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law the FY23 Budget of the Commonwealth, including $41 million to fund civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, line item 0321-1600. That is a $6 million increase over FY22, and the amount requested by MLAC to fund civil legal aid organizations across the state.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Governor Baker and the legislature for their continued commitment to increasing access to justice through civil legal aid funding,” said Lynne Parker, executive director of MLAC. “Though we look toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still thousands of low-income residents across the Commonwealth facing serious non-criminal legal problems that threaten their health, safety, and financial stability. For these residents, access to civil legal aid is essential to helping them preserve their housing, income, benefits, and education.”

People with an income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level—$34,688 for a family of four in 2022—are eligible for civil legal aid.

Parker also thanked the members of the House and Senate for their support for this increase, noting that the legislature has continually demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding access to justice for their constituents and other residents across the Commonwealth.

Parker recognized the ongoing civil legal aid advocacy of the Equal Justice Coalition, including the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, managing partners of many of the state’s largest law firms, corporate in-house counsel, law schools, and advocates with social services organizations across the Commonwealth.

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MLAC urges Governor Baker to approve Conference Committee FY23 Budget

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Governor Baker has 10 days to sign or veto budget

BOSTON, July 20, 2022 – The FY23 Budget Conference Committee released its FY23 Budget Report on July 17 that includes $41 million for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, line item 0321-1600, which is the amount requested by MLAC to fund civil legal aid organizations across the state. Governor Baker has 10 days following the release of the Conference Committee Budget to sign or veto portions of the final version.  

“We are enormously grateful that the House of Representatives and the Senate included $41 million in the FY23 Budget, a $6 million increase for civil legal aid. We urge Governor Baker to approve this MLAC funding when he signs the budget,” said Lynne Parker, executive director of MLAC. “The $41 million for civil legal aid is what MLAC requested and is supported by the House and Senate. This increase will go a long way toward ensuring that more low-income residents have access to legal information, advice, and representation on civil matters as they face continuing hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Parker noted that the areas of unemployment compensation, housing, income supports and education saw a sharp increase in demand for legal services during the pandemic. People with an income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty line—$34,688 for a family of four in 2022—are eligible for this civil legal aid.

Parker thanked the six-person Conference Committee, as well as House and Senate leadership, for their efforts to increase access to justice. “Civil legal aid is an essential service that protects the lives and livelihoods of so many in our Commonwealth. With an additional $6 million in FY23, legal aid organizations will be able to improve their organizational capacity to respond to emerging legal needs of our residents and upgrade necessary technology for clients and staff. We are now counting on Governor Baker to support this increase when he signs the FY23 Budget.”

Parker recognized the Equal Justice Coalition for its ongoing advocacy for civil legal aid, including the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, managing partners of many of the state’s largest law firms, corporate in-house counsel, law schools, and advocates with social services organizations across the Commonwealth.