Empire Justice Memo of Support - Implementing all available federal waivers to maximize food stamp participation

The Empire Justice Center strongly supports Bill S2369/A4169, which would amend section 95(1) of the Social Services Law by adding a new provision (paragraph “c”), to ensure that the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) applies for, and implements across the entire state, all available waivers under federal food stamp (now called “SNAP” --Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) rules. Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support - Amend CPLR 8602 to Define “Prevailing Party”

This bill (S. 4534 (Sampson)/ A.7395 (Schimminger)) would amend the definition of "prevailing party" in CPLR § 8602(f) to include "a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought." Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Ensure Access to Justice in Lending

This bill promotes justice and will enable more homeowners to find legal representation when their homeownership is in jeopardy. Read More

Empire Justice Testimony at IOLA Hearings

Testimony focusing on four areas: our core belief in the rule of law, the role of the Empire Justice Center in the legal services delivery system in New York, the potential solutions to the chronic shortage of stable funding for legal assistance, and the unique opportunity we have in the midst of this crisis. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony at Senate Hearings on IOLA Crisis

Discussion of civil right to counsel and potential funding sources for civil legal services Read More