The Senate Ways and Means Committee released its proposed budget for FY22 on Tuesday, May 11, which included funding for two Massachusetts Bar Association budget priorities. The $47.6 billion spending package includes a compensation increase for assigned private counsel and an additional $6 million for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC).
"We are grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Chairman Michael Rodrigues and the Senate Ways and Means Committee for funding a long-overdue compensation increase for assigned private counsel and fully funding MLAC’s $35 million budget request," said Martin W. Healy, Massachusetts Bar Association chief legal counsel and chief operating officer.
The Senate funding amount for MLAC matches the House request. As things stand today, the increase for assigned private counsel will head to a joint conference committee of the House and Senate later this year to iron out the differences between the two branches.
To see MLAC’s budget statement, click here.