Governor Maura T. Healey, on Monday, signed a $57.8 billion budget appropriation for fiscal year 2025, which began on July 1. The budget sees a $1.7 billion or 3.1 percent increase in spending over fiscal year 2024.
Included in the budget were several Massachusetts Bar Association-backed provisions including increased funding for the Massachusetts Legal Corporation and a statewide Access to Counsel Pilot Program.
The budget provides $51 million in funding for civil legal aid, a $2 million increase over FY24. Increased funding for civil legal aid will help civil legal aid organizations keep pace with the ever-increasing demand for legal services as our communities continue to grapple with a wide range of issues, including domestic violence, housing, unemployment and immigration. Civil legal aid is a vital resource for low-income residents facing difficulties accessing their basic needs.
Lastly, the budget provided $2.5 million for a statewide Access to Counsel program to provide representation to tenants, as well as low-income owner occupants.