MLAC Thanks the Legislature for Supporting Critical Civil Legal Aid Investments in FY25 Conference Budget

BOSTON, July 19, 2024 – The FY25 Budget Conference Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature recommended an investment of $51 million to fund civil legal aid services through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600. This represents a $2 million increase over the FY24 funding level. 

“We are grateful to the Conference Committee for recommending increased funding for civil legal aid at a time when demand for these vital services is considerably high,” says MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker. “Currently approximately 50 percent of people who apply for legal aid and meet income eligibility requirements are turned away due to a lack of resources. The Conference Committee’s recommendation and the Legislature’s longstanding support is appreciated and will help direct more resources to meet the rising demand for legal aid services.” 

Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations play a critical role in our state’s network of safety net programs, serving people with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. In 2024, that is $39,000 for a family of four and $18,825 for an individual. Legal aid is a proven intervention with far-reaching results: MLAC data shows legal aid secured an estimated $100 million in economic benefits for the Commonwealth and its residents in FY23. 

 

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About MLAC  

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth established MLAC in 1983 to ensure that people with low incomes who are facing critical non-criminal legal issues have access to legal information, advice, and representation. For more info, visit mlac.org.