The Equal Justice Illinois Campaign is a bi-partisan coalition of state leaders working to increase state funding of civil legal aid so that all Illinois residents – regardless of income – have access to the justice system.

The legal aid system currently operates near breaking point. There are less than 400 legal aid attorneys to help the more than 1.5 million Illinois residents living in poverty. Of the ten most populous states, Illinois ranks last when it comes to legal aid funding, spending $1.75 million compared to the average of $12.5 million.

As a result, the Equal Justice Illinois Campaign is calling on the state to do its share and increase funding for civil legal aid so this critical safety net can be strengthened.