Governor Newsom signs FY26-27 budget, including much-needed support for legal aid
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, June 29th, Governor Newsom signed the state budget for the FY 2026-2027, after reaching a deal with the legislature late Friday. Our elected officials united to back vital support for legal aid, showing their commitment to protecting the rights of low-income Californians during an uncertain budget year.
The final budget includes a $30 million increase to the Equal Access Fund (EAF), the primary state funding source for free civil legal services in California. $24 million of that funding will go directly to EAF grants, with the additional $5.25 million supporting the California Access to Justice Commission’s Infrastructure and Innovation Grants for civil legal services and $0.75 million for the Commission to assist legal aid staff who have lost access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness due to their work representing immigrants and others in marginalized communities. As federal funding for the safety net is cut, a legal aid lawyer can often step in and help protect people’s rights. This funding will provide critical support to programs facing heavy demand for their services. Common legal aid issues include housing, health care, and access to benefits.
“We are grateful to the legislature and Governor for prioritizing keeping families housed, communities safe, and people healthy by funding additional civil legal services,” said Lorin Kline, LAAC’s Director of Advocacy. “We are facing fundamental changes to the systems and programs that serve low-income and vulnerable people, and this funding will allow legal aid organizations to help people navigate those changes successfully.”
The budget also includes state funding to protect against losses in grants supported by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which has been subject to federal funding cuts. State legislators have allocated $50 million as backfill this year. The VOCA Coalition, led by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, has continued to advocate for this funding.
“We are grateful that the legislature and the Governor’s office have come together with a plan that includes prioritizing funding for legal aid at this important time,” said Salena Copeland, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC). “Assemblymember Stefani, Assemblymember Kalra, and Senator Umberg championed our asks early in this session, and we know we would not have this investment without their leadership.”
Salena Copeland, (510) 893-3000 x 106, scopeland@laaconline.org