Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a group of 40 attorneys general, has called on Congress to maintain funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). In a letter addressed to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and relevant subcommittees, the coalition urges Congress to support the LSC’s efforts in providing legal aid to vulnerable communities, including rural residents, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and older adults.
"The impact of the LSC’s work is vital, and it delivers much-needed results to millions of individuals and families who otherwise would not have access to legal representation," Raoul stated. He emphasized a collective commitment to ensuring justice is accessible to all, urging Congress to continue investing in the LSC.
The LSC supports 130 independent legal aid organizations, operating over 900 offices nationwide and serves every congressional district. It addresses a range of legal needs, including veteran benefits, disaster assistance, and enhancing access to legal services in areas with lawyer shortages.
Historically, attorneys general have backed federal funding for LSC. Amid discussions of budget cuts, this bipartisan coalition is encouraging both political parties to see the LSC as an effective manager of taxpayer money. The letter mentions that 95% of LSC's funding goes directly to organizations providing legal services.
Signatories of the letter include attorneys general from various states and territories, encompassing a diverse geographic and political spectrum.