The House of Representatives continues to debate the fiscal year 2020 budget as of press time. However, on Wednesday, April 24, the House voted to increase appropriations for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to $23.5 million, a $2.5 million increase over last year’s appropriation and a $1 million increase over the House Ways and Means budget.
While speaking on the floor of the House chamber to the membership, House Judiciary Chairwoman Claire Cronin indicated that increased civil legal aid was a priority of many.
“We recognize the importance of providing access to justice. This is a smart investment. In FY18, 14 civil legal aid programs provided $60.5 million in economic benefits to the commonwealth. Last year, MLAC programs helped 95,000 individuals with housing, domestic violence and health care issues.” said Cronin.
The MLAC amendment to increase legal aid funding was filed by Rep. Ruth Balser and co-sponsored by 92 state representatives.
Thank you to all our members who contacted their representatives and asked them to co-sponsor and support this increase for MLAC.