The Third Survival Fight
1995
At the beginning of the year, statewide Legal Services funding tops $20 million, supporting representation of over 41,000 clients annually.
In January, the new leadership of the 104th Congress calls for the termination of federal Legal Services funding. Citing, in part, Legal Services’ representation in divorce proceedings, the Christian Coalition makes abolition of the program one of its top legislative priorities.
In February, $15 million of Legal Services’ 1995 appropriation, already signed into law, is “rescinded.” Through the rest of the year, the prospects for the national program teeter between complete elimination and massive cuts. By year-end, it is clear that national funding will be cut to $278 million (with population shifts, this represents a 40% cut to New Jersey). All funding for national and state support centers, including LSNJ, is eliminated by Congress. Many new restrictions, including bans on class actions and securing attorneys’ fees, are made a part of the appropriations and attached to all other funding received by LSC-supported projects.
LSNJ begins to work on a proposal to replace lost federal dollars with state revenue from an increase in court filing fees; in December, the New Jersey State Bar Association endorses the proposal.
By year’s end, the federal cuts take hold, and local Legal Services programs begin to cut their staffs through attrition.
1996
LSNJ’s work on the filing fee bill continues, spearheaded by Michael Cole. Bill Hardin steps down as LSNJ Board chair after leading the organization for seven years and is replaced by Michael Cole. LSNJ begins to absorb some of the essential representation no longer possible at the local program level.
A national landmark $8 million state funding increase, largely to replace lost federal revenue, becomes law in late June, supported by filing fees. In late September, the national appropriation is increased slightly, by 1%.
In November, New Jersey’s Legal Services programs commemorate 30 years of work at a dinner at the New Brunswick Hyatt.
The Merck Corporate pro bono program is launched in New Jersey, quickly becoming a national model.