BOSTON – Westford Selectman and attorney Andrea Peraner-Sweet and attorney Eileen Morrison recently met with State Rep. James Arciero to discuss increasing state funding for legal assistance for Massachusetts residents.
Specifically, they were advocating for funding for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, which assists low-income individuals who face serious civil legal problems but are not eligible for courtappointed attorneys, as is the case with criminal matters. Massachusetts residents who live below 125 percent of the federal poverty line ($30,375 annually for a family of four) are eligible for legal assistance.
About 1,359 cases are opened each year through funding by MLAC-sponsored programs that helped more than 88,000 clients last year.