Property Law Newsletter
February 2012
MBA leverages billboards, YouTube videos to raise awareness on court funding
As Massachusetts nears its state budget process for FY 2013, the
Massachusetts Bar Association has launched a high profile awareness
campaign on the effects of underfunded courts. The statewide effort
is geared toward the commonwealth's general public.
Through a billboard campaign (which began Monday, Jan. 16) the
association aims to grab the average citizen's attention to
reinforce that court funding does impact him or her. The MBA's
message is showcased on billboards in Greater Boston, along I-93 in
Dorchester and Medford; in Worcester along I-290 and in Fall River
along Rt. 24.
The billboard message directs passersby to the MBA Web site -- www.massbar.org. Included on the MBA's
site is informational materials on court funding as well as
resources citizens and members of the legal community can reference
when reaching out to their respective legislators on this important
issue.
As part of the informational on-line package, public service
announcement-style videos can be viewed. The videos highlight the
negative impact of inadequate court funding through the perspective
of judicial leadership, attorneys, academic leaders and court
staff.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick is expected to release his version of the
FYI 13 budget later this month, while both the House and Senate
will begin their budget debates in April and May respectively.