U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor spoke out yesterday during floor debate and helped defeat an amendment to eliminate federal support for families, veterans and seniors who rely on the Legal Services Corporation, which provides grants to Bay Area Legal Services and other legal aid organizations throughout the country that afford access to civil legal assistance.

“Legal aid not only helps working individuals and families navigate the justice system, mitigating or preventing further stress, but also boosts the economy through legal aid employment, employment in other industries, avoided costs, and timely resolution of court cases for small businesses,” said U.S. Rep. Castor, who opposed an amendment to the Justice Department appropriations bill that would have further slashed Legal Services Corporation. 

Civil legal aid is vital for individuals and families facing foreclosure, fraud, domestic violence or custody matters, who otherwise could not afford legal representation.

Last year, Bay Area Legal Services assisted more than 1,200 domestic violence victims obtain injunctions, child custody, support and alimony; helped nearly 4,000 clients obtain or maintain housing; advocated on behalf of nearly 1,300 veterans; and helped more than 3,600 senior clients resolve their legal problems, according to its website. Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit that provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents in Tampa Bay. 

“Legal representation should not be reserved for the elite few in America and should not be placed out of reach for working families,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “Legal services is a cost-effective investment and I oppose those who say ‘You can’t get help. You can’t avoid a foreclosure, escape an abusive relationship or defend yourself against consumer scams.’”

Legal Services Corporation has already undergone significant reductions over the past few years, and while the House Republican leadership inflicted an additional 4 percent cut with yesterday’s bill, U.S. Rep. Castor and others were successful in defeating the amendment that would have effectively eviscerated the nonprofit, independent Legal Services Corporation. 

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