North Carolina Budget Shift Raises Questions About Future of Free Legal Aid in Western North Carolina
By Marge Farrington | Published 2026-07-03T15:44:51.955Z
News
WNC News -- July 3, 2026: A provision in North Carolina's newly approved state budget is raising concerns across Western North Carolina after lawmakers redirected millions of dollars traditionally used to fund free civil legal services. While organizations such as Pisgah Legal Services warn the change could leave thousands of residents without legal assistance, lawmakers say the decision was made to address growing demands on the state's indigent criminal defense system.
WNC News -- July 3, 2026: A provision in North Carolina's newly approved state budget is raising concerns across Western North Carolina after lawmakers redirected millions of dollars traditionally used to fund free civil legal services. While organizations such as Pisgah Legal Services warn the change could leave thousands of residents without legal assistance, lawmakers say the decision was made to address growing demands on the state's indigent criminal defense system.At the center of the de