As people throughout the Commonwealth began scrutinizing the budget released
earlier today by the MA House of Representatives, the Boston Bar Association
provided a very preliminary analysis for its members:
-The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation was level funded at $9.5
million. The BBA is profoundly grateful that the House understands the critical
importance of government funding for civil legal aid programs serving the
neediest people in the Commonwealth.
-The Massachusetts Trial Court received $518 million, $26 million less than
last year. The BBA is deeply troubled that an already inadequately funded
judiciary struggling to fulfill its mission is being asked to accept additional
cuts.
The BBA is in the process of gathering information on what if any impact the
House budget will have on CPCS's ability to meet the Commonwealth's obligation
to provide competent defense counsel to indigents, and also on the ability of
D.A.'s Offices to operate effectively.
The BBA counts on the support of its members to join in continued advocacy
efforts.