Not a lot of white football coaches speak out on this kind of issue. Proud my alma mater's coach is doing it. https://t.co/VpGkXMqbfr
— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) February 28, 2017
You can add University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh to the list of President Trump critics. Here’s what he tweeted in response to reports that Trump’s budget will cut funding to the Legal Services Corporation, which provides “financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans“:
I hope reports that White House trying to defund Legal Services Corp aren't true. LSC is CRUCIAL to making justice system fair. #LSCmatters
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 28, 2017
Harbaugh is on the organization’s “Leader’s Council” that was created to raise awareness:
Harbaugh is on the LSC's "Leaders Council" to raise public awareness for legal aid needs. https://t.co/i5pjimPxkj
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) February 28, 2017
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, local programs that rely on Legal Services Corporation for funding will be hit hard by the cuts:
Elimination of the Legal Services Corporation would cut $1.4 million from Neighborhood Legal Services, $607,000 from Laurel Legal Services and $416,00 from Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services. According to its website, the entire Legal Services Corporation has an annual budget of $375 million.
“It’s a great cause for concern,” said Sam Milkes, executive director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
Renee Williams, executive director of Laurel Legal Services, said funds from the Legal Services Corporation represent about 40 percent of her organization’s budget, which serves Armstrong, Cambria, Clarion, Indiana, Jefferson and Westmoreland counties.
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