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PA Legal Aid Network e-News
Thursday, May 07, 2009
President's Budget Recommends $435 Million for LSC and Elimination of Funding Restrictions
President Obama today released his budget which is seeking an increase of $45 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) over the amount appropriated for FY 2009. In addition, the President called on Congress to repeal the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funding restrictions -- the restrictions on the use of private money, the prohibition against class action law suits and the restrictions on receiving attorneys' fees.
Under the President's proposed budget, the Legal Services Corporation would receive $435 million in Fiscal Year 2010. Most of the proposed budget, $410.4 million, would provide for the delivery of civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across the nation.
The President is also requesting $3.4 million for the Office of the Inspector General, down from $4.2 million in FY 2009. LSC Management and Grants Oversight would receive $17 million, up from $16 million in FY 2009. Funds for TIG grants would increase from $3 million to $3.4 million, and $1 million would remain in the budget for loan repayment assistance.
The President's proposal on the elimination of funding restrictions would give States and private donors, not Congress, the authority to decide how to best allocate their funds dedicated to the provision of legal aid. It will also permit legal aid lawyers to seek attorneys' fees awards in instances in which all other attorneys are allowed fee awards and to bring class action lawsuits on behalf of their clients.
LSC Press Release
Under the President's proposed budget, the Legal Services Corporation would receive $435 million in Fiscal Year 2010. Most of the proposed budget, $410.4 million, would provide for the delivery of civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across the nation.
The President is also requesting $3.4 million for the Office of the Inspector General, down from $4.2 million in FY 2009. LSC Management and Grants Oversight would receive $17 million, up from $16 million in FY 2009. Funds for TIG grants would increase from $3 million to $3.4 million, and $1 million would remain in the budget for loan repayment assistance.
The President's proposal on the elimination of funding restrictions would give States and private donors, not Congress, the authority to decide how to best allocate their funds dedicated to the provision of legal aid. It will also permit legal aid lawyers to seek attorneys' fees awards in instances in which all other attorneys are allowed fee awards and to bring class action lawsuits on behalf of their clients.
LSC Press Release
Labels: Access to Justice, lsc
