Press Release

CONYERS CELEBRATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON AND ATTORNEY GENERAL RENO

(Washington, DC) -- Yesterday, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, celebrated with President Clinton, Attorney General Janet Reno, and other dignitaries, the 25th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. Recognizing that many citizens in need of legal assistance did not have access to such services, Congress passed the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974. The aim was to provide financial support to offer legal services in civil cases to those who otherwise could not afford the assistance of an attorney.

The Legal Service Corporation funds local legal services programs in communities across the nation and in United States territories by allocating grant money. Such federally-funded legal assistance has helped improve the lives of millions of people.

Unfortunately, Republicans have repeatedly attempted to cut Legal Services Corporation funding since they have been in control of Congress. These is especially unacceptable in a time of economic prosperity and is contrary to the spirit of justice in a free society if the neediest members of society do not have access to legal assistance. For example, the Republican- controlled House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary voted on July 22 of this year to appropriate only $141 million for FY00. This is roughly half of the Legal Services Corporation's enacted budget for FY99 ($300 million). Last year, the Subcommittee also voted to provide only $141 million, but that figure was overridden on the House floor by amendment. The last Democratically-controlled congress enacted a budget of $415 million for FY 95.

Representative Conyers stated, "Everyday, my office receives calls from people who are in need of legal assistance. Many times they don't know where to turn for help. My staff regularly refers these callers to the free legal service providers in Wayne County Michigan. And so I applaud the Legal Services Corporation on their 25 years of service to the nation. And I applaud the fine services provided to Detroit and Wayne county residents by Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services and the Legal Aid and Defenders Association, both organizations that have received Legal Service Corporation grant money to serve our community. 

I will continue to urge my colleagues to fund the Legal Services Corporation at adequate levels to keep up with demand and ensure that the neediest members of our society get a fair shake at justice by being able to have the assistance of legal counsel." 

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