Florida Supreme Court Denies Bar Dues Hike For Legal Aid
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TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Lawyers pushing for more money for legal aid to the poor will have to look elsewhere after the Florida Supreme Court rejected a proposed dues increase for Florida Bar members.
The justices ruled last week that a more comprehensive solution is needed for legal aid funding woes. A coalition of attorneys had proposed a Bar dues increase of $100 to help fund the program.
The dues are currently $265 a year and have held steady for 20 years.
Gov. Rick Scott this year vetoed a small funding increase for legal aid in this year's state budget.
Three Supreme Court justices dissented, contending it was wrong to deny attorneys a chance to solve at least some of the legal aid funding problems through the relatively small dues increase.
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