News
June 26, 2007
harkin secures funding for legal services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that he has helped secure funding for legal services in the FY 2008 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill. The Senate and the House of Representatives must pass this bill before it becomes law.
Specifically, Harkin secured $180,000 for the Legal Health Aid Pilot Project in Iowa. This funding would allow the creation of a two year pilot program between Iowa Legal Aid and the Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care Association. The program will tackle escalating health care costs by addressing the underlying legal issues in cases of domestic violence, nutrition and federal benefits, guardianship and elder abuse. Evidence shows that there are direct links between medical care and legal problems for low income Americans.
“Often, the health problems low-income Iowans face require a legal, as well as a medical, solution,” Harkin said. “I hope that this new partnership between Iowa Legal Aid and the Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care Association will make it easier for Iowans to access legal resources that will help them regain their health.”
Harkin also helped to secure $390 million for the Legal Services Corporation, which funds legal aid programs nationwide. This is a $38 million increase over last year’s budget. Harkin has long fought to ensure that low-income Americans have access to the legal services they need.
“The Legal Services Corporation is a critically important program that supports legal aid nationwide. These funds will help those who lack the means to defend themselves, including senior citizens and people with disabilities,” said Harkin. “Access to its services helps these individuals pursue justice in the areas of housing, unemployment, domestic violence, and other complicated legal concerns.”
