Going Into Motion For The Legal Services Corporation

Wisconsin groups representing domestic abuse victims, low-income people and others are criticizing a Trump administration plan to defund the Legal Services Corporation.

LSC is an independent nonprofit that makes nearly $400 million in federal grants to legal groups representing low-income citizens.

In Wisconsin, about $5 million dollars helps Legal Action of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Judicare handle about 12,000 cases per year.

State Bar of Wisconsin President Fran Deisinger said the money brings justice.

“Whether that’s an eviction prevented, or a restraining order obtained, or a medical bill resolved. These aren’t situations where people are getting something they don’t deserve, or don’t need,” Deisinger said.

Franscesca Yerks, of Milwaukee, said Legal Action helped her expunge a ticket that made it difficult to find work.

“I’m more comfortable with applying for a job, I’m just excited — I’m able to go to school for what I want now, without something being held over my held, and that’s to become a family court judge,” Yerks said.

Yerks said grants from the LSC also help low-income people fight evictions and fairly resolve disputes over unpaid bills. The State Bar, End Domestic Abuse of Wisconsin and others are calling on Congress to reject the proposed budget cut. The Trump administration says it’s needed to free up money for more defense spending.