Fiscal Year 2011 State Budget

The EJC’s legislative funding campaign for FY11 is working to protect the $9.5 million secured for legal aid in the FY10 budget. Level funding for civil legal aid (line item 0321-1600, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation) is crucial for maintaining essential legal services for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents. Here is a summary of the budget cycle so far:

• On January 27, 2010, Gov. Patrick recommended level funding – $9.5 million – for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) in his FY11 budget.

• On April 13, the House Ways & Means Committee recommended level funding – $9.5 million – for MLAC in its FY11 budget. On April 30, the full House adopted this recommendation.

• On May 19, the Senate Ways & Means Committee recommended level funding – $9.5 million – for MLAC in its FY11 budget. On May 28, the full Senate adopted this recommendation.

• On June 23, the conference committee of the House and Senate recommended level funding – $9.5 million – for MLAC in its FY11 budget.

• On June 30, Governor Patrick signed the FY11 budget, including level funding of $9.5 million for MLAC.

View MLAC’s FY11 Budget Fact Sheet [PDF]