Comments on Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Unfair Market Trade Practices

This week, Community Legal Services submitted comments to proposed rules issued by Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General.  The rules seek to clarify Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (CPL).  Fifty years ago, the General Assembly enacted the CPL to “even the bargaining power between consumers and sellers in commercial transactions, and to promote…

CLS Files Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional General Assistance Cuts

This afternoon, Community Legal Services (CLS) and Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of almost 12,000 low-income Pennsylvanians who will lose their only source of income once the General Assistance program ends. The Pennsylvania residents who will lose this vital support are people with disabilities, people fleeing domestic violence, people completing treatment…

Youth Justice Project

The Youth Justice Project can connect young people ages 16-24 to free legal help at Community Legal Services and Philadelphia Legal Assistance. We can help with: Criminal & Juvenile Records, including expungement, bench warrants, impact on employment, and court debt Family & Kids, including Childline Records (child abuse registry), DHS involvement, protection from abuse, and…

Youth Justice: Ensuring Vulnerable Youth Successfully Transition Into Adulthood and out of Poverty

Billie Washington was struggling to make ends meet. A former home care attendant, she was no longer able to work due to her rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other illnesses. While waiting for her disability benefits hearing, she began receiving General Assistance. Ms. Washington carefully budgeted the monthly $205.00 to cover her rent, toiletries, medical co-payments, and public transportation to get to doctor’s appointments. When she found out that General Assistance was being eliminated, Ms. Washington felt like she had the rug yanked out from under her. Describing the feeling of desperation, she said, “I was crushed. I just, I didn’t know what I was going to do.”