SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $200,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK TO HELP LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS ACCESS LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Funding Will Be Used To Provide Legal Aid To Individuals Navigating Legal System Without Resources Or Legal Representation

Washington D.C. - U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $192,400 in funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) of Western New York to invest in technology and web design advancements that will help make complex legal platforms more intuitive and accessible to low-income individuals with civil legal needs. This funding was allocated by LSC through their Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) program, designed to improve legal service delivery to low-income individuals and families. 

“Our legal system can be complex and daunting, and as the COVID crisis intensifies, so does the need for accessible legal aid for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds will help New Yorkers get the help they need to navigate the legal system and make smart, informed decisions about their best interests. I am proud to deliver this funding that will help New Yorkers cut through the jargon and make legal platforms more accessible to everyone.”

“All New Yorkers, regardless of income, should have access to the tools and resources needed to navigate complex legal services. All too often, low-income individuals do not have the funding needed to access legal representation and are forced to represent themselves through complicated legal proceedings,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will provide invaluable legal services to individuals and families who need it most by developing a mobile-first, user-friendly web design platform. I always fight to ensure that New Yorkers have equitable access to the legal assistance they need.”

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