North Carolina's new state budget significantly cuts and restricts funding for Legal Aid services. Lawmakers are diverting money historically allocated to Legal Aid towards public defender offices. This follows a previous funding freeze that already caused layoffs and rural office closures for Legal Aid. The new budget also imposes restrictions on the types of cases Legal Aid can handle. These changes will negatively impact vulnerable residents needing legal assistance.
Raleigh, North Carolina
https://www.fayobserver.com/story/opinion/2026/07/14/nc-general-assembly-budget-hits-legal-aid-with-cruel-cuts/90907465007/