BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A win for Senator Welch’s fight to fund public defenders.
Welch fought to include funding for federal public defenders in the appropriations bill that Congress passed last week.
According to Welch, that money will prevent a hiring freeze and layoffs in the industry.
Welch said public defenders are vital in abiding by the law and meeting the constitutional standard, where everyone is entitled to legal representation.
“And I saw firsthand how many people who find themselves in our criminal justice system are struggling with substance abuse or misuse, mental health challenges, or often both. I saw how absolutely important it was that every person who comes into the courtroom gets as good a lawyer as those who walk in with a high-priced attorney,” said Senator Welch.
Welch said as the Senate’s only public defender, the decision to increase funding for the industry is personal.