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Legislative Wrap-Up
The legislative session has wrapped, and all outstanding bills have made their way across Governor Brown's desk. This year, LAAC supported three bills affecting legal aid clients and community, one of which was signed into law:
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Bill (Sponsor)
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Status
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Brief Description
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Signed
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Funds the Public Interest Attorney Loan Repayment program by diverting unclaimed IOLTA accounts that otherwise escheat to the state.
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Vetoed
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Offers debt relief for California students affected by the practices & closures of certain for-profit colleges, including $1.3M for legal services to discharge or re-negotiate student loans.
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Held in Appropriations
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Establishes a refundable state Earned Income Tax Credit.
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LAAC also acknowledges the legislative advocacy efforts of its member programs, and a complete review of these will be available soon at
LAAConline.org.
What's Coming up in 2016?
In the coming legislative session, LAAC's top priority is to secure an increase to the Equal Access Fund. Over the past year, we have worked hard and taken some important strides forward in this endeavor. For example, LAAC is proud to have gained the support of Senator Bob Wieckowski, who authored a letter to Governor Brown, signed by numerous legislators, urging him to back a significant increase to the Equal Access Fund. However, we know we can do more!
If you like to be involved in LAAC's efforts to increase the Equal Access Fund, please email Lorin Kline at [email protected] for more information.
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