Boost to legal aid for indigent residents in works [Jeb signs new law: The Civil Legal Justice Act]

The Naples Daily News ^ | July 14, 2002 | Mary Kelli Bridges

[summer]

Boost to legal aid for indigent residents in works [Jeb signs new law: The Civil Legal Justice Act]

Sunday, July 14, 2002

By MARY KELLI BRIDGES, mkbridges@naplesnews.com

Collier and Lee counties are among a few areas that soon will benefit from a new law to help provide civil legal assistance for the indigent.

The Civil Legal Justice Act became effective May 30, when Gov. Jeb Bush signed it into law. It's intended to provide legal services for individuals who can't afford to hire their own attorneys but who are in need of basic assistance, such as receiving veterans services, Medicaid and Medicare.

The act gives $2 million to the Department of Community Affairs for pilot programs in seven areas. One of those areas is the 20th Judicial Circuit, consisting of Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties.

The Florida Bar Foundation, a not-for- profit group, is trying to work out a contract with the department to act as the delivery program to distribute the funds to agencies that are already established to help provide civil legal assistance. That would mean the new money wouldn't be needed to establish a method to dole out the money, said foundation President Bill Thompson.

"The state money is really going to be spent at the bottom level," Thompson said.

In Southwest Florida, those groups are Florida Rural Legal Services, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Legal Aid Society of Collier County and Lee County Legal Aid Society. Those agencies are expected to get about $220,000, Thompson said.

The money will be used for specific purposes outlined by legislators. Those purposes will be related to family and juvenile law, entitlements to federal government benefits, protection from domestic violence, elder and child abuse and immigration. The money will go toward providing legal assistance and education.

This is the first time the state will provide money for legal aid. Before the new law, money came from grants.

That's not to say private lawyers didn't help those who couldn't afford their services.

Last year, private lawyers donated almost 120,000 hours, valued at $14.2 million, to pro bono cases. But two out of three people in need were still turned away, said Terry Russell, immediate past president of The Florida Bar.

"This has become more than a voluntary program," Russell said. "It's now a social responsibility."

State Sen. Burt Saunders and state Rep.

Dudley Goodlette, both Naples Republicans, sponsored the bills in their respective houses.

Saunders said both legislators worked hard to make sure the 20th Judicial Circuit would get one of the pilot programs.

"We have a significant population in this community that is underserved in terms of legal services," Saunders said.

He specifically pointed to Social Security issues, veterans' affairs and immigration.

"If there are federal programs available, it's important that the citizens who are entitled to those programs are aware they are there," Saunders said.

[summer]

This is a local story concerning a new state law, and I posted it on the front page section because I think it shatters a lot of myths about the GOP.

Some voters think the GOP is evil and never helps the poor, yet, here we have two GOP lawmakers creating a new law to distribute new legal funds to groups helping vets and others who need legal services. To me, this can not be a bad thing. Where were FL Dems on this? Don't they want to help people -- including vets, the elderly and immigrants -- obtain legal services???

While others may complain about this law, I am glad someone worked on this matter -- and good for Gov. Bush for signing it. He should have posted this article on his campaign web site, at www.jeb.org

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FYI! :)

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For index.

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Gov Jeb Bush at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new
nursing home for FL vets, Port Charlotte, FL.

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks for the ping -- and good morning =^)

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You're welcome. And, a good morning to you, JH2! :)

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks

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:)

[JohnHuang2]

Oh....:^)!!!

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LOL... :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

[Amore]

I worked in this program when it was on a voluntary basis. I'm sure it often is beneficial. But the constant frustration we felt was this:

You're on welfare? Fine, you qualify -- free legal help, to add to your irresponsible tax-payer-leeching lifestyle!

You work for a living, earning somewhere around minimum wage? Sorry, can't help you!

[summer]

But, this is really a new program, because it is not grant money like the previous programs.

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I see the source link is not connecting to this story. Maybe this link will work: Click HERE.

[Amore]

Sorry, summer, I realize it's a new program, but it sounds like it is formalizing the Legal Aid society programs already in operation (& extending them to places that didn't already have them). I worked at a Legal Aid Society. I'm just telling you how they have worked, and how it sounds like they will continue to work. Just like before, some veterans and some old folks on social security will qualify, and that's fine, those productive members of society deserve it. But, beyond that, it will help those on welfare. Those who work for a living will NOT qualify. It's just like the rest of the court system. Deadbeat defendants can file anything they want for free. Responsible members of society have to pay to file, and -- for example -- last time I looked, it was $250 to file an appeal.