That's an interesting description of the program. (What I can't figure is how they can in the space of one paragraph say the IOLTA "allows" attorneys to "pool" such money and then a moment later indicate that each attorney is required to "establish" an account by himself.) What is the penalty for someone refusing to participate, from a suspicion that like so many do-gooder projects, the moral claim of helping the poor is frequently a cover for other causes? If there is a penalty, (for refusing to participate in government-mandated charity to a favored "non-profit") is that not also a symptom of a socialist mindset? Keep in mind I say this not sure whether anyone stated and established that Ms. Miers was pushing it, just on its own merits.)
. . . how they can in the space of one paragraph say the IOLTA "allows" attorneys to "pool" such money and then a moment later indicate that each attorney is required to "establish" an account by himself.
What is the penalty for someone refusing to participate, from a suspicion that like so many do-gooder projects, the moral claim of helping the poor is frequently a cover for other causes?
If there is a penalty, (for refusing to participate in government-mandated charity to a favored "non-profit") is that not also a symptom of a socialist mindset?
I certainly have no ready answer. I'm looking though, which is one benefit derived from reading these threads--moving someone to look for facts and possible answers.
Both our Republican Senators, however, seem to support the program. From the Spring 2005 Legal Services Corporation Magazine:
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Texas Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn have joined a coalition of Senators who are making the case that the Legal Services Corporation deserves additional federal funding—even in today’s difficult budgetary environment. Success in that endeavor obviously would be welcomed by the three federally funded legal aid programs in the state: Texas Rural Legal Aid, Lone Star Legal Aid, and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.
“Making sure that we have access to the legal system for all people is the right goal, and Texas has done a good job of fulfilling that goal,” Hutchison says. “People who are in general familiar with the legal system know and appreciate the job that legal services does.”
One of the priority areas for Texas legal services providers has been helping the state’s more than 185,000 reported victims of domestic violence each year. On April 23, Texas First Lady Anita Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott joined Justice O’Neill to unveil a new kit that will enable victims of domestic violence to file their own applications for protective orders when they are unable to secure a lawyer to assist them. The free, step-by-step protective order kit comes with detailed instructions for filling out the relevant paperwork, having a temporary order signed by a judge, and requesting a hearing date to grant the protective order. The kit also provides tips for victims on how to prepare for the hearing. It is available online at www.oag.state.tx.usCornyn, during his time as Texas Attorney General, approved the expenditure of state dollars from the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund to support legal services initiatives that help victims of domestic abuse. The Fund continues to disperse $2.5 million annually to the Equal Access to Justice Foundation. More recently, First Lady Perry has championed the role of legal aid in helping battered spouses end the cycle of violence. “Domestic violence has serious repercussions for our society. Victims may not be able to afford health care or legal help, which may cause them to remain in the violent situation,” Perry says. The First Lady praises the role of legal aid in helping victims “obtain protection from abusive partners” but notes “these free programs cannot assist everyone who needs help; the need is unfortunately too great.”