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Vol. 72, No. 12, December
1999 |
President's Perspective
A Milestone for Civil Legal Services
By Leonard L. Loeb
For the first time in Wisconsin history, we have
state-allocated funds to provide civil legal services by attorneys to
low-income residents. The Biennial Budget Bill that Gov. Thompson signed
into law on Oct. 27 includes $100,000 per year of the biennium for civil
legal services. Strong public support, bolstered by the efforts of key
organizations that came together for a common cause, led to this success.
The State Bar Board of Governors in November 1998 voted
unanimously to adopt a legislative position endorsing state general
purpose revenue to provide civil legal assistance by lawyers to low-income
residents. The board's action allowed the State Bar Government
Relations Team to work with the Equal Justice Coalition under the able
leadership of John S. Skilton to advocate at the state Legislature for
federal funds allocated at the state level. The Wisconsin Trust Account
Foundation and the State Bar's pro bono program worked closely
in the effort.
In addition to support in the legal community, there is broad
public support for funding. According to a 1998 poll conducted
on behalf of the Equal Justice Coalition, 79 percent of the public
believe that the state should provide funding to low-income people
who need assistance in civil cases such as domestic violence,
special education, or child custody. The overwhelming public
support came from people of different ages, occupations, education
levels, income, and race.
The additional funding will be allocated to civil legal services
programs around the state, including Legal Action of Wisconsin,
Legal Services of Northeastern Wisconsin, Western Wisconsin Legal
Services, Wisconsin Judicare, and others. The need is great.
There are an estimated 162,734 low-income citizens in Wisconsin
who are facing critical legal needs for which no assistance is
available. As a result of the funding, an estimated 4,000 clients
can be served annually.
A special thanks to Sen. Brian Burke and Sen. Gwendolynne
Moore for sponsoring the budget amendment and to Rep. John Gard
for his help in crafting the package. The proposal received bi-partisan
support in the Joint Finance Committee and made its way successfully
through both houses before it was signed into law by the governor.
Working together, we can accomplish great things.
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