​American Bar Association President Hilarie Bass filed written testimony Wednesday, May 23, with the Senate supporting increased funding for the Legal Services Corporation to help close America’s “justice gap.”

The testimony expressed the ever-growing need for legal services in areas including the opioid crisis, and in recent natural disasters. It also emphasized the federal role in justice for all, recommended against placing an unfunded mandate for legal services on states and localities, and noted the complementary role legal aid services plays for the Congressional offices’ constituent services representatives.

The ABA recommends restoring Legal Services Corporation funding, which has been cut sharply since FY2010, to at least the inflation-adjusted FY2010 level of $482 million

The full text of Bass’ written testimony, submitted to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, can be found here.