Maltese encourages NYS to provide Legal Voucher Assistance

Maryann Maltese, Democratic Candidate for NYS Assembly 12th AD, long time NYS Communications Manager for NYS Legislature and longtime Huntington resident encourages NYS to pass emergency budget funding bill to provide residents with Legal Vouchers on Civil Matters-as well as to increase funding to Legal Aid Societies. New Yorkers are eligible for free Legal services for Criminal Matters, but not Civil Matters. An Attorney reserves the right not to represent one on a Civil Matter; especially if that Civil Matter does not bear Tort oriented Legal Payment for a successful win, said Maryann Maltese. When that occurs, the Client pursues Poor Person's Judgements and represents themselves which can be a little intimidating for those who are not from the legal field. Even I, as a civilian sometimes need a little administrative guidance on handing in Court Forms-who doesn't? This is why-I'm in favor of increasing State Budgetary Funding for the Legal Vouchers on Civil Matters, said Maryann Maltese

The Legal field is a profession, and like any other career, an investment that one pays into-but presently speaking Covid 19 has devastated New York-and the amount of Civil Matters which will be necessary to file once the NYS Court Systems are back into full operation is insurmountable and those in the 12th Assembly District will be in need of Legal Vouchers to help along the way, said Maryann Maltese. I'm a strong believe in taking pro-active steps instead of reactionary ones in policy formations-it's not always accomplished, but it's obvious that new ideas and formulas must meet present day Civilian or people needs-and being approved for Civil Legal assistance is at the lifeline needed in todays present environment to up-start our economy.

It's crystal clear to me that New Yorker's who meet financial requirements, and or COVID 19 Pandemic eligibility requirements; such as those of us classified as non-essential workforce, or non-essential businesses or meet present day economic sliding scale basis-to be eligible for Legal Vouchers on Civil Matters, said Maryann Maltese. With widespread unemployment, small business closures or consolidations and the uncertainty of how one may need to proceed with civil legal matters whereas Clients do not have tort oriented issues where legal counsel charges a percentage for successful recovery-The Courts and or Legal Aid Societies need to provide legal Counsel Voucher programs. A legal Voucher system is whereas a Client and Attorney agree to enter into a retainer agreement, and the Attorney agrees to participate in the Legal Voucher program so that costs of legal representation are covered on pressing human life matters. These vouchers provide nominal legal fees to Attorney's and such programs have a strong track record in public service and are recognized by the Court Systems as Noble for those Attorney's willing to participate in the Legal Counsel Voucher Program.

Increasing Funding for Legal Counsel Vouchers and Funding to Legal Aid Society will be necessary once NYS Court Systems are back to full operational capacity. With NYS Paused, New Yorkers who may be facing Bankruptcy, Evictions, or other pressing civil matters where Clients are determined to meet poor person judgments due to Covid 19 Pandemic State of Emergency Orders will need Counsel. Why should NYS Court Systems penalize those New Yorkers who simply can not afford Counsel, but might need their help with filling our legal forms for assistance, said Maryann Maltese. By providing Counsel through Voucher Legal Program-it will also reduce Court docket calendar schedules and keep New York moving forward.

Legal Vouchers are normally issued on a first come first serve basis and clients must meet financial terms of issuance. Private attorney's can agree to participate in such Legal Voucher Programs upon Court's permission to do so. It's obvious that once NYS Courts Fully reopen their doors to the public; virtually or in-person that the need is pressing for New Yorkers. By increasing funding levels and category of who is eligible, especially during Pandemic Covid 19 HealthCare matters- it's a win for the Client and for the Court House Staff which may not be in position answer questions as those staffers are not Licensed Attorney's-is relevant, said Maryann Maltese.

I support the increase in funding for Legal Voucher Program and once in Albany-I'll be introducing this legislation immediately as New York still needs to implement Legal Aid programs to cover legal costs for Civil Matters during State of Emergency Orders-we simply do not have this in existence now-and we need to.

Maryann has 18 years of State of Emergency Crisis Management behind her with a list of successful bills that implemented into programs since; Aids Confidentiality, H1N1, 9-11 and Hurricane Sandy State of Emergencies. Still more needs to be done in Albany and now that I have been a civilian for a few years-enjoying family time in the district-I know that increasing the funding for the Legal Voucher Program is necessary districtwide-and adding State of Emergency new financial reasons for eligibility for Clients to be approved-is necessary right now.

To get involved in Maryann's campaign and/or Election Law Challenge-reach out; maryannmaltesefornysassembly@gmail.com.