New Mexico Legal Aid, a nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income individuals in the state, plans to lay off about one-fifth of its workforce, including 13 attorneys, due to expected funding cuts in 2025. The layoffs are necessary following the end of emergency COVID-19 pandemic funding that led to an expansion of staff in recent years. The nonprofit anticipates a 17% budget cut next year, totaling $12.5 million, primarily affecting salaries.
Despite efforts to limit the impact on clients, the layoffs will inevitably reduce the organization’s ability to assist vulnerable individuals in civil court disputes such as housing, domestic violence, and economic security. New Mexico Legal Aid received over 15,000 requests for assistance and opened nearly 5,000 cases in 2024, demonstrating the high demand for their services.
State lawmakers are being asked to increase funding for legal aid organizations that support low-income New Mexicans. The contraction comes after a period of growth for Legal Aid, driven by pandemic-related relief funding. Uncertainty remains regarding future funding from the federal government, with potential additional layoffs looming if funding is not secured.
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