Sen. Chandler Honored With Beacon of Justice Award for Support of Civil Legal Aid
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Chandler was honored for her support for civil legal aid, which assists low income individuals and families in resolving issues related to basic necessities like housing, employment, classroom accommodations for children with disabilities, and conflicts related to child support and custody, divorce, and domestic violence.
“Legal aid organizations in my district assist some of my most vulnerable constituents in keeping their homes and jobs, escaping domestic violence, and receiving the educational services they need and deserve. I’m proud to support civil legal aid funding and pleased to be recognized by the Equal Justice Coalition," said Chandler.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support given to civil legal aid by Senator Chandler. We cannot fulfill America’s promise of equal justice under the law without a robust, community-based network of legal aid programs," said John Carroll, Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition.
Civil Legal Aid
A report that was released by the Statewide Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid in the fall of 2014 revealed that over 60 percent of those eligible for civil legal aid in Massachusetts who seek services are turned away because of lack of resources.
The Task Force recommended increasing the Commonwealth's investment in civil legal aid by $10 million a year over the next three years to begin to address this unmet need.
Based on the report's recommendation, the Equal Justice Coalition and its legislative and legal allies have called for $10 million increase in this year's budget.
“Civil legal aid is a powerful tool that helps people living in poverty build a foundation of stability from which they can create a better future for themselves, their families, and our communities. The vital work accomplished by civil legal aid agencies throughout the Commonwealth would not be possible without the support of legislative champions like Senator Chandler," added Lonnie Powers, executive director of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. (MLAC), which funds and supports organizations that provide civil legal assistance to low-income residents.
Others Receiving Awards
The Equal Justice Coalition also presented Beacon of Justice Awards to state Sen. Karen Spilka and state Reps. Claire Cronin, Paul Donato, and Bradford Hill.
Champion of Justice awards were presented to Supreme Judicial Court Justice Robert Cordy and Attorney General Maura Healey for their exceptional support for civil legal aid during their legal careers.
The Equal Justice Coalition
The Equal Justice Coalition is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Massachusetts Bar Association and Boston Bar Association.
Click here for more information.
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