LSC's Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request in Brief

Basic Field Grants

The 2008 recession and rise in unemployment during 2009 created new stresses for legal aid programs. About 54 million Americans-including 18.5 million children-were eligible for LSC services in 2008, the most recent data available. That represents an increase of almost 3 million poor people from 2007.

In 2009, LSC programs served only half of those seeking legal assistance and often must settle for providing many applicants with less than full representation. Our 2009 Justice Gap Report showed that in one category-foreclosures-LSC programs are turning away two people for every client served. In addition, the report included new data showing that housing and family courts are facing significant increases in unrepresented litigants.

The weak economy has put an even greater strain on the resources that support legal aid. IOLTA funding-the second largest source of non-LSC funding for programs-has declined significantly because of the drop in short-term interest rates. Many states will not be able to make up IOLTA losses, in part because of overall state and local budget shortfalls. This downturn in non-federal funding comes at a time when programs report increasing requests for help.
 
Technology Initiative Grants support innovative projects that improve services to clients, enhance efficiency and increase access to information. The $6.8 million request would expand the use of statewide court forms, online intake systems, and self-help systems.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program helps LSC programs recruit and retain highly qualified attorneys and provide relief for educational debt, projected at an average of $84,000. Participants receive up to $5,600 a year for a total of $16,800 for three years.

Management and Grants Oversight funding expands oversight of program compliance with federal law and LSC regulations, and would permit a training initiative to improve local board governance.

Download LSC's Budget Request for fiscal year 2011. ( 444k)

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