1999-2001 Civil Legal Services Funding Initiative
Washington State Bar Association
1999-2001 Civil Legal Services Funding Initiative
August 3, 1998
The Honorable Gary Locke
Governor of Washington
Legislative Building
Olympia, WA 98501
Dear Governor Locke:
I am writing to advise you of the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors' deep concern regarding state funding of civil legal services and to ask for your support in providing leadership in this area.
At our June 1998 meeting, the Board adopted unanimously the statement that the chronic problem in the availability of legal services has reached a crisis level and that we should seek to have $10 million added to the 1999-2001 biennial budget for civil legal services. This increases the total biennial budget from $6.8 million to $16.8 million.
Recognizing that there might be some reluctance to include this increase without a corresponding source of funds, the Board reviewed a variety of funding options. We adopted, in concept, a funding scheme that included an increase in filing fees and surcharges on court related filings. We believe this approach will deliver most, if not all, of this proposed increased appropriation. We urge you to include the increase in your budget.
We recognize there are a number of stakeholders, including you, your staff, key legislative leaders, Supreme Court justices, the Office of the Administrator for the Courts, the judges' associations, county clerks and officials, county law librarians and others with whom we need to work closely and collaboratively to forge a clear and as comprehensive as possible consensus. The Board adopted the package only in concept at this time as we will continue to review and assess options and impacts with the other stakeholders.
At our July 1998 meeting, the Board reiterated its strong support for the increase in funding. The Board discussed the role that lawyers and the legal profession have played in addressing the civil legal needs, but that we cannot do it alone. Access to justice is a societal problem which affects all in Washington. We all must work together and find effective solutions.
The Board authorized me to write this letter seeking your support and advising you of our concern and commitment. Your leadership is key to restoring meaningful access to the civil justice system for nearly 1.2 million poor and vulnerable Washingtonians. I and others stand ready to meet and work with you.
Very truly yours,
Mary E, Fairhurst
President
Washington State Bar Association
See Also
