Last-minute ‘sweep’ undermines low-income New Yorker’s Access to Justice, according to the New York Legal Services Coalition
Governor, Legislature assure legal community it is a one-time occurrence
In a last-minute move during budget negotiations, lawmakers have agreed to a one-time, $55 million “sweep” from the Interest on Lawyer Accounts (IOLA) Fund to cover the cost of the state’s foreclosure prevention program (HOPP) at $40m and eviction prevention services at $15m. The proposal was put forth by the Governor in the final hours of negotiations. While legislators pushed back -- given that IOLA funds are not tax levy dollars, and the sweep would reduce the net amount of funds available to provide civil legal aid to low-income New Yorkers -- the move was ultimately agreed to so that critical programs were fully funded.
RENEWED NYS BUDGET ‘SWEEP’ OF IOLA FUNDS WOULD BE DISASTROUS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 17, 2024. A late breaking proposal from Governor Kathy Hochul would ‘sweep’ $55 million from the Interest on Lawyers Account Fund (IOLA). The initial executive budget proposed a sweep of $100M from IOLA to the general fund, which was rescinded in the 30-day amendments on February 15. This diversion of non-taxpayer dollars has been resurrected.
Civil Legal Service Community Thanks Governor For Rescinding Proposed ‘sweep’ Of Funds Earmarked To Help Low-income New Yorkers Access Justice
February 16, 2024
The civil legal services community applauded Governor Hochul for rescinding the proposed ‘sweep’ of $100 million earmarked to support low-income New Yorkers’ civil legal needs into New York’s the General Fund. The sweep of the Interest on Lawyers Account (IOLA) was originally proposed in the executive budget and was rescinded in the 30-day amendments released late in the day on February 15.
Wage gap between state-funded attorneys, government peers is driving an employment crisis in New York’s Civil Legal Services
Proposed “sweep” in the Executive Budget would put Civil Legal Services further at risk
NYLSC’s Statement on FY 2025 Judiciary Budget Request:
Albany, NY - December 4, 2023
Civil Legal Services Targeted for 3% COLA and Other Increases in Judiciary Budget Request
NYLSC’s testimony to the Chief Judge’s 2023 hearing on Civil Legal Services:
Pay Equity for Advocates Serving Historically Disadvantaged Communities
This testimony is respectfully submitted on behalf of the New York Legal Services Coalition (NYLSC). Our Coalition consists of almost 50 member organizations providing vital legal services in every Judicial District of the State of New York.