As 2022 concludes, I want to share how proud I am of the meaningful, lasting impact of our work at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ). I have the honor of working alongside NCLEJ attorneys on cases in my role at Dentons. I can tell you firsthand that the team at NCLEJ is deeply committed to equity and justice under the law, and the help we provide to communities in need speaks for itself. These lawyers are among the finest legal professionals I've known in my 30+ year legal career. NCLEJ attorneys are in it for the long haul, fighting daily alongside vulnerable and historically underrepresented communities.
My fellow Board members and I celebrated NCLEJ’s outstanding work at the Justice Makers Awards ceremony this Fall.
Please support the incredible results these hardworking attorneys are achieving. Donations we receive now have been matched up to $75,000, unlocking more dollars for NCLEJ by your contributions!
In case you missed it, NCLEJ had an incredible year of impact. We advanced economic and racial justice for millions of people and lifted up the leadership of front-line communities. Here are some examples I’m particularly proud to highlight:
New Disability Rights Settlement Ensures Access to Benefits in Suffolk County: NCLEJ reached a comprehensive settlement in Newkirk v. Pierre, a disability rights case brought against Suffolk County for its failure to make public benefits programs accessible to disabled people. The settlement transforms every aspect of benefits administration—from training to forms to computer systems—so that disabled people have an equal opportunity to receive benefits.
New Title VI Discrimination Complaint Seeks Justice for Home Care Workers: NCLEJ filed a Title VI complaint against the New York State Departments of Labor and Health on behalf of three worker centers and longtime partners—National Mobilization Against Sweatshops, Chinese Staff and Workers Association, and Flushing Workers Center. As explored at these year’s Gala, these workers are forced to work 24-hour shifts but are only paid for 13 of those hours. The Complaint, which was covered by Gothamist, alleges that the agencies tolerance of and institutional support for this system violates federal antidiscrimination law.
Near-total Victory in Kentucky Medical Debt Case: Because of our lawsuit challenging unconstitutional debt collection practices, the Kentucky Department of Revenue will no longer collect medical debts in the State of Kentucky. Tens of thousands of Kentuckians will benefit from the elimination of property tax liens and wage garnishments—saving Kentuckians millions of dollars in forced collections.
These are only a few examples of NCLEJ's efforts to ensure that laws protecting vulnerable communities are upheld and that people can live with dignity.
I ask you to be bold and extend your generosity to help us meet this $75,000 match now! Become a monthly sustainer or make a one-time gift of any amount.
If you wish to send a check or a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, please make the check payable to the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. Please mail checks to our new address at 50 Broadway, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10004.
Our progress in the courts and our innovative approach to legal advocacy make a real difference in combatting this country's persistent poverty and economic inequality. Your contributions will enable us to pursue this fight. Now more than ever.
In gratitude,
Sandy Hauser
NCLEJ Board Chair
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice advances racial and economic justice through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. We have provided legal representation and support since 1965.
