[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8397--JULY 23, 2009

Proclamation 8397 of July 23, 2009
35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every day the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) breathes life into the
timeless ideal, ``equal justice under law.'' It reaches those who cannot
afford the assistance they need and those who would otherwise go without
vital representation. Today we recognize the 35 years during which the
LSC has moved our Nation and our legal system towards greater equality.
The LSC brings legal counsel to every corner of the Nation. As the
largest provider of civil legal aid to the poor, it supports programs
that touch families in every State. Persons of all ethnic and racial
backgrounds know its great work, and women, who represent 75 percent of
LSC-supported clients, especially benefit from its expertise.
The Legal Services Corporation's work helps improve lives. It allows
more people to access the public benefits they deserve, more domestic
violence victims to secure the protections they desperately need, and
more workers to receive the compensation they have been promised and
earned.
During an economic crisis, the work of the LSC is especially important.
When families face foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy, or when
communities are targeted by predatory lenders, they need the help of
legal professionals. These scenarios are far too common today.
Fortunately, the LSC stands ready to meet these demands.
Because economically vulnerable communities continue to face an unmet
need for legal services, my Administration has supported increased
funding for the LSC. I have also recommended lifting several unnecessary
restrictions on funding so that more people can receive assistance.
These changes are critical to the organization's mission and work.

[[Page 3674]]
123 STAT. 3674

We have made great progress in protecting the legal rights of our
citizens, and the Legal Services Corporation has played a vital role in
this story for more than 3 decades. With continued support, it will
serve those in need and help our Nation live out its highest ideals.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 25, 2009, as the
35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. I call upon legal
professionals and the people of the United States to honor the
contributions of this vital organization.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA