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CNMI AG backs funding call for the Legal Services Corporation
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Posted on May 08 2019
In a joint effort organized by the attorneys general of the 56 states and territories, the National Association of Attorneys General recently submitted a letter to U.S. Congress and Senate and urged funding for the Legal Services Corp.
“As state attorneys general, we respectfully request that you consider robust funding for the Legal Services Corporation in the fiscal year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill,” states the attorneys general in their letter to Congress and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
For nearly 45 years, LSC funding has helped veterans and military families secure important benefits, supported survivors of domestic violence, and provided vital assistance to families facing foreclosure, victims of natural disasters, seniors, and disabled Americans. Today, it is also an essential support for rural and low-income Americans and families affected by the nationwide opioid epidemic.
LSC funding has also fostered public-private partnerships between legal aid organizations and private firms and attorneys across the country which donate their time and skills to assist residents in need. Nationwide, 132 independent nonprofit legal aid programs rely on this federal funding to provide services to tens of thousands of our constituents.
In the CNMI, the Micronesian Legal Services Corp. has made great strides in serving the community by providing to those in need. Advocating for victims, engaging leaders and partner agencies, expanding outreach awareness, and strengthening partnerships are what drives the staff and management of MLSC to be as successful as they are today,” said Attorney General Edward Manibusan. “Without continued funding for the LSC, our local agency MLSC and the CNMI community will be impacted significantly.”
In a statement yesterday, Manibusan said he is pleased to join with other attorneys general in the U.S. mainland and territories to urge funding for LSC to ensure the nation’s most vulnerable individuals continue to receive services. (PR)
