Texas legal aid unable to help everyone

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Access to Justice Foundation said funding has dropped so dramatically, only one-fifth of those who qualify for free legal services in Texas are getting help.

"We went from 28 million dollars in 2007, to 1.5 million dollars now," said James Sales, Chair of the Commission. "With the economy down, we have more clients than ever but with interest rates low, our source of funding has dried up."

Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts is a significant source of funding for legal aid in Texas, and recent declines in interest rates have played a part in the depleted funding. The foundation is now asking lawmakers to contribute $20 million from the stimulus package to legal aid.

"This would be a one time expenditure," said Sales. "It would just keep us afloat until 2011, when hopefully interest rates will go back up."

Sales said it would also help put hundreds of lawyers who work for legal aid back to work.

"Without the money, we are having to lay off people just like every other business," said Sales. "If the stimulus money is meant to create jobs, then this is where part of it should go."

blog comments powered by Disqus