Attorney General Dave Sunday has co-led a collective effort of 40 Attorneys General urging Congress to maintain crucial funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). This organization provides key legal services to vulnerable groups, particularly in rural areas.
The LSC's aid helps veterans obtain entitled benefits, enables domestic violence survivors to access safety resources, and protects older adults from scams and financial exploitation. In rural regions like Sullivan, Potter, Forest, and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania, these services are indispensable due to the scarcity of attorneys.
Pennsylvania hosts 77 legal aid offices funded by the LSC. "Everyone should have access to legal representation to maintain safe and stable housing, rightful benefits that keep them healthy, and protection against violence and scams," Attorney General Sunday emphasized. He commended colleagues for their unified call to Congress to ensure LSC remains funded to provide basic legal rights to underserved communities.
The letter, signed by Attorneys General from states and territories including Alaska, California, and New York, was sent to the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as well as relevant Subcommittees. The letter underscores the importance of LSC, which operates a wide network of more than 900 offices, serving millions across all U.S. states and territories.
While Congress considers potential budget cuts, this bipartisan group of legal leaders is advocating for the protection of LSC funds. They highlight the organization’s efficiency, noting it allocates 95% of its funding to directly support legal aid services, emphasizing its role as a prudent manager of public funds.
Joining Sunday in this appeal are Attorneys General from multiple jurisdictions including Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington, who together reaffirm their commitment to federal support for LSC and its mission.