Three Massachusetts state senators—Stan Rosenberg, Sal DiDomenico, and Will Brownsberger—have jointly written to members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. Their message urges federal lawmakers to oppose the Trump Administration’s plan to eliminate funding for Legal Services.
Throughout Massachusetts, Legal Services served 23,000 low-income and elderly residents in the previous year. These individuals received assistance with matters ranging from foreclosures and evictions to domestic violence cases, illegal debt collection, veterans’ benefits, homelessness, and immigration issues. Despite current funding levels, demand for legal aid services continues to exceed available resources across the Commonwealth.
Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst) characterized the proposed cuts as misguided policy. “fblikebutton_button” He further stated:
Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), who chairs the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, emphasized the Legal Services Corporation’s decades-long role in advancing equal justice. He warned that implementation of these cuts would affect thousands of Commonwealth residents, particularly domestic violence victims, veterans, and senior citizens.
Senator Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, stressed that Legal Services cuts would restrict judicial access for vulnerable populations while straining state finances.
According to the senators’ letter, federal funding elimination would reduce the budget from $45 million by $5 million—an 11 percent reduction that would leave more than 2,500 individuals without legal aid access. The delegation members are asked
Congress will debate funding allocations in coming months, with President Donald Trump’s comprehensive budget proposal scheduled for release in May.