FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 1998
CONTACT: Dan Rene 703-847-3088
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the National Legal and Policy Center called for
an ending of taxpayer funding for the scandal-ridden Legal Services Corporation
(LSC).With an increase in private donations and pro bono work for the program
federal dollars have become unnecessary.
Last week, billionaire George Soros launched a $9 million matching grant
program to provide legal aid for low income individuals and communities.
This donation follows more than $50 million Soros has already donated for
advocacy programs.
Along with the Soros money several major corporations and wealthy individuals
are also privately supporting Legal Aid Programs.
"It is outrageous that taxpayer dollars are used to fund a liberal
agenda" stated NLPC Chairman Ken Boehm. "Taxpayers should not
be forced to continue funding this cause especially when the program is
being privately funded as well."
LSC is receiving $283 million in taxpayer dollars in 1998. It distributes
the funds to local programs which are supposed to provide legal representation
to indigent people with civil legal problems. Yet much of the money is
used for liberal political purposes or simply wasted.
"With the money coming from private sources and Pro Bono work at an
all time high it is no longer necessary for the taxpayer to fund the LSC"
continued Boehm.
"Legal Services programs are still using tax dollars to challenge
elections, stop drug-related evictions, and funding foreign travel for
activist lawyers."
"Contrary to LSC supporters' rhetoric, abuses in the legal services
program are on-going and plentiful. Let private individuals contribute
to a cause like that, don't force the hardworking taxpayer" said Boehm.
Through its Legal Services Accountability Project, NLPC has uncovered hundreds
of abuses in the taxpayer-funded Legal Services Corporation. NLPC is a
non-profit non-partisan foundation promoting ethics and accountability
in government.
###
NOTE: For interviews to facilitate your coverage please contact Dan Rene
at
drene@nlpc.org or (703) 847-3088.