Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts

27 School Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02108

Ph: 617.973.6666    Fax: 617.973.6663   www.womensbar.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Michelle Peirce, President
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
(617) 692-2264
mpeirce@dbslawfirm.com

Nicci Meadow, Executive Director
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
(617) 973-6666
nicci.meadow@womensbar.org

WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION URGES MEMBERS TO ATTEND COURT ADVOCACY DAY ON MARCH 31, 2009 AND DEMAND ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR OUR STATE COURTS

Funding Proposed In Governor Patrick’s Budget, Which Will Be Put To Vote In June 2009, Will Jeopardize Already Reduced Court Services

That Are Crucial To Women And Families

(BOSTON, MA) – March 20, 2009 – The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts implores all members to take a stand and advocate for adequate funding for our State Courts, which are already operating with a reduced 2009 budget, insufficient personnel and diluted court services. Further cuts, as proposed by Governor Patrick for 2010, will make the courts even more ill-equipped to provide critical court services to the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly women and families.

As much of the public knows, the judiciary voluntarily accepted over $22 million in budget cuts for the 2009 fiscal year and a hiring freeze has been in effect since October 2008. As of February 2009, approximately 98 of the 116 courts are understaffed. The courts have been forced to cut access to various services, including eliminating ADR contracts and restricting assignment of Guardians Ad Litem. Meanwhile, due to the economy, there is an increase in court filings, and expected increases in cases dealing with crime, domestic violence, eviction, foreclosure, child abuse and custody disputes. If the judiciary’s budget is cut again for 2010, judicial resources will be further strained, and women turning to the courts for assistance will face even greater challenges in obtaining justice for them and their families.

WBA President Michelle Peirce stated, “Governor Patrick’s proposed budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which would shave another $24 million off of a judiciary system that is already under-funded, will put our courts in a perilous state and disproportionately endanger women and families in need of the courts’ assistance. Further cuts are expected to result in consolidation of courthouses through temporary court closings, thus restricting access to civil and criminal sessions. This will impede access to emergency petitions on domestic and family matters, such as restraining orders, care and protections orders, and Children in Need of Services (CHINS). Please join us and band together to let Governor Patrick and the house and senate leadership know that such crucial services must be adequately funded.”

Please join the WBA for Court Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the State House Grand Staircase, to advocate for the court system and support the judiciary’s request that its budget be maintained at a level sufficient to support critical court functions. Chief Justice Margaret Marshall and Chief Justice Robert Mulligan will address the group and attendees will be afforded the opportunity to address this issue with legislators. Please spread this timely and important message to friends, colleagues and others. To attend the Court Advocacy Day, RSVP to programs@womensbar.org. To locate legislators representing your constituent interests, so that you can ask them to support the judiciary’s requested “core function” budget of $622.7M for FY 2010, click here.

About the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts

Founded in 1978 by a group of activist women lawyers, the Women’s Bar Association is one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the country.  Today, the organization boasts a membership of more than 1500 women lawyers, judges and law students across Massachusetts.  The WBA is committed to the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society.  The WBA works to achieve this mission through committees and task forces, and by developing and promoting a legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues.  Other WBA activities include drafting amicus briefs, studying employment issues affecting women, encouraging women to enter the judiciary, recognizing the achievement of women in the law, and providing pro bono services to women in need through supporting its charitable sister organization, the Women’s Bar Foundation.  For more information, visit www.womensbar.org. 

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