Cohen Chairs Hearing on Funding for Legal Services Corporation

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law (CAL), held a hearing on legislation to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – a nonprofit group that provides federal grants to other nonprofits that provide legal assistance to low-income families across the country who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

“We must work to ensure that those who need a lawyer get the legal representation they deserve,” said Congressman Cohen. “Everyone should have access to legal counsel regardless of financial means and that is why it is vital we provide the Legal Services Corporation with the federal funds it needs.”

LSC was established by Congress in 1974 to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for civil legal assistance to low-income families, but the Act has not been reauthorized since 1977. Congressman Cohen’s panel took testimony from witnesses on the Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 (H.R.3764), which would reauthorize LSC.

Last week, Congressman Cohen received the American Bar Association Day Award for his efforts to increase federal funding for LSC.