A Vermont legal services coalition says it plans to ask lawmakers for $1 million to help cover civil legal costs for low-income people.
Daniel Richardson with Vermont Access to Justice Coalition says the request follows a decade-long decline in funding for legal services statewide.
Vermont Public Radio reports that the funding would provide assistance for low-income Vermonters in family or immigration court, for tenants facing eviction and for low-income adoptive parents. About a quarter of the funds would go toward general operations at Vermont Legal Aid. Another $48,000 would pay for legal services currently guaranteed by the state, but not funded, including assistance for adults facing involuntary guardianship appointments.
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