Gov. Hochul’s plan to divert escrow funds risks essential legal aid for needy New Yorkers
In a controversial move within the state budget agreement, $55 million that was previously designated for civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers is proposed to be rerouted, drawing severe criticism from the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA).
Richard Lewis, president of the NYSBA, voiced the organization’s strong opposition to this reallocation, originally included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal.
“The New York State Bar Association strenuously objects to the transfer of $55 million from the IOLA Fund to pay for other state programs,” Lewis said. “When Gov. Kathy Hochul originally proposed in her executive budget to remove $100 million from the IOLA Fund and place it in the state’s general fund, we and many other legal advocates protested. When the governor withdrew the proposal, we commended her. We are now distressed that this ill-conceived plan has been resurrected, and strongly urge the governor and Legislature to reconsider.”