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    President Obama Reiterates Call for Repeal of Key LSC Restrictions

    On the 35th anniversary of LSC, President Barack Obama repeats his call for the repeal of the most onerous legal services restrictions in a presidential proclamation.

    Published: July 24, 2009
    To access the Proclamation on the White House’s website, click here.
     
    President Obama announces his unwavering support for LSC and for lifting key restrictions.
     
    The President originally called for the repeal of three of key LSC restrictions in his FY 2010 “detailed budget,” and repeated that call in a "Statement of Administrative Policy" when the House of Representatives failed to go as far as the President recommended on this issue.
     
    The Brennan Center and its allies urged the President to make this request of Congress and continues to pursue this policy fix.

     
     
     
    35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, 2009
    - – – – – – –
    BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    A PROCLAMATION

    Every day the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) breathes life into the timeless ideal, “equal justice under law.” It reaches those who cannot afford the assistance they need and those who would otherwise go without vital representation. Today we recognize the 35 years during which the LSC has moved our Nation and our legal system towards greater equality.

    The LSC brings legal counsel to every corner of the Nation. As the largest provider of civil legal aid to the poor, it supports programs that touch families in every State. Persons of all ethnic and racial backgrounds know its great work, and women, who represent 75 percent of LSC-supported clients, especially benefit from its expertise.

    The Legal Services Corporation’s work helps improve lives. It allows more people to access the public benefits they deserve, more domestic violence victims to secure the protections they desperately need, and more workers to receive the compensation they have been promised and earned.

    During an economic crisis, the work of the LSC is especially important. When families face foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy, or when communities are targeted by predatory lenders, they need the help of legal professionals. These scenarios are far too common today. Fortunately, the LSC stands ready to meet these demands.

    Because economically vulnerable communities continue to face an unmet need for legal services, my Administration has supported increased funding for the LSC. I have also recommended lifting several unnecessary restrictions on funding so that more people can receive assistance. These changes are critical to the organization’s mission and work.

    We have made great progress in protecting the legal rights of our citizens, and the Legal Services Corporation has played a vital role in this story for more than 3 decades. With continued support, it will serve those in need and help our Nation live out its highest ideals.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 25, 2009, as the 35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. I call upon legal professionals and the people of the United States to honor the contributions of this vital organization.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

    BARACK OBAMA