Tag Archive for: Budget Campaign

MLAC Thanks Governor Healey, Massachusetts Legislature for Civil Legal Aid Funding in FY27 Budget

BOSTON, July 10, 2026– MLAC is grateful the FY27 budget just signed by Governor Maura Healey includes strong investments in civil legal aid: $51 million for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600, and $3 million for the Access to Counsel Program (administered by MLAC) through line item 0321-1800, a $500,000 increase over FY26.

“I am grateful to Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature for this commitment to the critical civil legal aid services that make our Commonwealth stronger,” says Lynne Parker, Executive Director of MLAC. “Every day, civil legal aid advocates across Massachusetts are working on life-changing cases that protect some of our most vulnerable residents.”

MLAC-funded civil legal aid organizations represent people with low incomes who are struggling with issues related to housing, employment, health care, domestic safety, and more. Households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($41,250 per year for a family of four; $19,950 for an individual in 2026) qualify for civil legal aid.

The Access to Counsel Program (ATCP) launched in January 2025 has been representing low-income tenants and landlords in eviction cases across the Commonwealth. The results show progress and positive outcomes. In its first full year, nearly 1,200 ATCP cases were opened. In 87% of ATCP eviction cases closed on behalf of tenants, an eviction was either prevented or delayed.

“A weakened economy, rising inflation, federal program cuts, and federal policy changes are making it even more challenging for people in poverty to meet their basic needs,” Parker says. “State funding for civil legal aid is crucial to sustaining this fundamental safety net program.”

In addition to the Governor and the Legislature, MLAC thanks the Equal Justice Coalition and our allies in the private bar for their ongoing leadership and advocacy efforts.

Statement on House Ways and Means Committee’s FY27 Budget

BOSTON, April 15, 2026– Earlier today, the House Committee on Ways and Means issued its FY27 state budget recommendation, which includes $52 million for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600. This is an increase of $1 million over FY26 funding. The House also allocated $3 million for the Access to Counsel Program (ATCP) through line item 0321-1800. ATCP provides legal representation for low-income renters and owner-occupant landlords in eviction cases. The program received $2.5 million from the Legislature in FY26.

“MLAC is grateful for the increased in funding for civil legal aid and the Access to Counsel Program in the House budget. We look forward to continuing our work with the Legislature as the budget process progresses. Civil legal aid is a lifeline for Massachusetts residents with low incomes facing a crisis,” says MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker.

“People with low incomes are hurting. A weakened economy, rising inflation, and deep program cuts and policy changes at the federal level are making it even more challenging for people in poverty to meet their basic needs – including safe and affordable housing, adequate food, and access to health care for their families,” said Parker.  “This increased funding will help civil legal aid organizations serve more people and families facing serious legal issues.”

 

UMass Law students advocate for civil legal aid at MA State House

UMass Dartmouth sent a group of law students to the Equal Justice Coalition’s “Walk to the Hill” event on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Below is the text of an article detailing the event from the UMass Law School website.

Read the original story here.

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Sixty UMass Law students visited the Massachusetts State House last week to advocate for increased funding for civil legal aid during the annual “Walk the Hill” event, continuing the school’s tradition of championing access to justice.

During the visit, students met with legislators and staff to discuss the importance of legal aid funding in ensuring fair representation for low-income residents, sharing stories of clients who benefitted from these services and highlighting the societal impact of accessible legal support.

“As Massachusetts’s only public law school, I think it’s imperative of our students to advocate for those in underprivileged communities in circumstances where they may not be able to afford counsel to represent themselves,” said SBA President and 3L Megan Hueras.

“Personally, I enjoy family law and probate matters. Because these are civil cases, individuals are not appointed counsel as they would be in criminal cases. My hope is that through the initiatives we’ve undertaken, more people will have access to appropriate legal representation in these circumstances.”

A group of UMass Law students pose with a shared reason they walk—for our community.
A group of UMass Law students pose with a shared reason they walk—for our community.

Walk the Hill is an annual event put on by the Equal Justice Coalition that brings together hundreds of private attorneys, law students, and legal aid advocates to urge the Commonwealth to increase funding to provide critical services for residents with low incomes who are facing serious civil legal problems. This is the ninth consecutive year UMass Law students walked the hill to champion the cause.

“The hope is that by providing more funding, we can provide more opportunities for underprivileged people,” said 1L Joseph Manobianco. “Whether it’s through housing, legal departments, or just the ability to help people on a fundamental level who truly need it, legal aid can systematically change people’s lives for the better.”

The annual trip underscores UMass Law’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in public service and training future attorneys to pursue justice. Through participation in this annual initiative, UMass Law students gain practical advocacy experience while contributing to a vital cause.

Walk the Hill captains pose on the Massachusetts State House balcony.
Walk the Hill captains pictured on the Massachusetts State House balcony.

“Seeing the Massachusetts State House packed with UMass Law students for the Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid is one of the great rewards of being the dean of this law school,” said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. “I could not be prouder of our students for walking the talk for equal and accessible justice. THIS is what being a public law school is all about.“

Dozens of general counsel endorse $49 million for civil legal aid (Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly)

Below is an excerpt from a Jan. 12 editorial published in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

More than five dozen general counsel recently sent a letter to Gov. Maura T. Healey to support the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp.’s and Equal Justice Coalition’s FY24 state budget request of $49 million for civil legal aid organizations.

The group of 63 attorneys from the Massachusetts business community agree that the civil legal aid organizations need more funding to meet the demands of a state emerging from a global pandemic.

“There is no right to an attorney for most types of civil legal cases, including cases that could lead to loss of housing, domestic safety, or financial stability,” said Paul T. Dacier, general counsel at Indigo, who signed the letter. “These are fundamental issues that significantly impact the most important people in our society. We should all want our systems to be fair and just, because when both sides have representation, justice is best served.”

Read more at Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (subscription required).