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Legal Services of the Virgin Islands seeks level funding to sustain civil legal aid amid rising eviction and domestic‑violence work
Summary
Legal Services reported steady casework, a small staff shortfall and dependence on a mix of territorial appropriations and federal grants; leadership requested the governor’s recommended $2,007,700 to maintain current service levels while pursuing additional grant and philanthropic revenue.
Legal Services of the Virgin Islands asked the Senate budget committee to sustain the governor’s FY2026 general‑fund recommendation of $2,007,700 so the nonprofit public‑interest law firm can maintain civil legal assistance for low‑income residents across the territory.
Executive Director Shelby King Gaddy told senators the FY2026 request matches the governor’s recommendation and would maintain current service levels. Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) provider of civil legal aid (not a government agency) funded by a mix of territorial appropriation, Legal Services Corporation grants and several federal and private grants. The agency said it received an unqualified audit and continues to pursue outside resources, but it stressed that the territorial appropriation remains the backbone of operations.
Staffing and caseload: Legal Services reported five staff attorneys…
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