IOLA Appropriations

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IOLA Appropriations

June 3, 2024

Memorandum of Support

 

 

Re: S9130 Ryan / A10253 Solages
Allows certain payments from the IOLA fund to be made without appropriation by law 

The above-referenced legislation would allow IOLA appropriations to occur outside the budget process, ensuring that the original legislative intent of IOLA is adhered to. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this bill. 

The Interest on Lawyer Account Fund supports organizations that provide civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. These organizations, including Catholic Charities, help to increase access to justice across areas including consumer protection, education, employment, family, health, housing, and immigration. It is critical that the IOLA board of trustees can act within their discretion to make appropriations to legal services organizations outside of the budget process. 

When the IOLA Fund operates according to its original intent, vulnerable New Yorkers are supported and protected from further economic harm. This bill would allow valuable legal services organizations throughout the State to help as many people as possible. We urge its passage.