When the governor vetoed $203,500 in funds for Alaska Legal Services Corp., he cut off veterans and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from much-needed civil legal services. The impacts of this veto are tragic and completely predictable: more homeless veterans, and more victims of violence stuck with abusers. The Legislature should override this veto immediately, not stand by the governor smiling for budget photo opportunities, as members of the House Republicans did.
Alaska Legal Services Corp. is a nonprofit that provides essential public services. When veterans are at risk of becoming homeless, ALSC can pro-vide a lifeline by providing civil legal services to keep veterans with a roof over their heads. Through his veto, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is denying legal counsel to dozens of veterans. This is insulting and unacceptable. Our state has the highest risk of domestic violence and sexual assault in the country, and Dunleavy’s veto will make it worse.
By slashing funding, Dunleavy’s veto means approximately 100 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will have nowhere to turn for legal services to help them find safe harbor. Data indicate that civil legal services are essential to help women and their children find safe housing and shelter when they’re stuck in a violent situation. Dunleavy’s veto and the House Republicans’ support for it means stranding more women and kids to continued abuse.
Dunleavy’s veto also negatively affects seniors, many of whom live on a fixed and limited income. For these seniors, Alaska Legal Services provides life-saving support on a wide range of issues from housing to food security. Dunleavy’s veto cuts off 115 seniors from legal aid. Many Alaskans don’t know that Alaska Legal Services supports crime victims. We should not re-victimize crime victims by making them hire expensive legal services. Alaska Legal Services is a necessary part of our work as a community to support victims of crime. Tragically, Dunleavy’s veto means dozens of victims no longer will be able to access legal aid.
The funding Dunleavy vetoed — $203,500 — is a tiny amount of funding in the state budget, but this amount of funding could have been life-saving for approximately 370 Alaskans, most of whom are veterans, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, or other victims of crime. The Legislature can and should override this veto, but House Republicans have stood with the governor and celebrated his vetoes. Why? Alaskans deserve better.
— Julie Smyth
Fairbanks
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