Funding Cuts for Legal Services Corp.
* On behalf of the thousands of indigent, elderly and disabled clients who seek legal representation from Bet Tzedek Legal Services, thank you for your editorial in support of continued funding for the Legal Services Corp. (“Stop Slashing Legal Aid to Poor,” July 22).
During last year’s rush to cut the heart out of social services funding, the Legal Services Corp. budget was mindlessly slashed. At Bet Tzedek that meant the entire elimination of our grant. Because we were not as heavily dependent on that program as many other vital agencies are, we have not had to cut our services or our staff. However, cuts that became necessary at other organizations are felt throughout our community. We are inundated with an unprecedented number of requests for assistance. We were never able to help all those who called.
DAVID A. LASH
Executive Director
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Los Angeles
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* Your editorial defending the Legal Services Corp. from congressional cutbacks claimed that federal funding is essential to ensuring the poor’s access to justice. However, there are several alternative sources of funding for legal services programs that can offset Legal Services Corp. grant money.
In fact, the 300 programs that receive Legal Services Corp. grants now obtain more than half of their funding from sources other than the Legal Services Corp., such as private donations and interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA). IOLTA is a program in which lawyers’ clients’ funds are deposited in interest-bearing accounts and the funds distributed by administrators to select groups. In 1994, IOLTA alone provided $65 million to Legal Services Corp. grantees.
Many states also impose surcharges on the cost of filing a civil lawsuit to specifically fund legal services.
Besides the 300 Legal Services Corp. grantees, there are an estimated 1,200 private groups providing legal aid to the poor without any LSC money. In addition, a 1991 study by the California Bar reported that 64% of its members engaged in some form of voluntary legal work. Surveys from other states show levels ranging from 40% to 60%.
JOHN K. CARLISLE
Policy Analyst
National Legal and Policy Center
Vienna, Va.
