LEGAL ACTION CENTER

Arthur Liman Public Interest Awards

The Arthur Liman Public Interest Awards were established in 1998 to honor the memory of Arthur L. Liman, LAC’s co-founder and Board Chair for 25 years. The awards acknowledge superior achievements in addressing issues at the core of LAC’s mission—alcohol/drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and criminal justice. The Liman Awards are presented at LAC's annual benefit, which raises money to support the work of the Legal Action Center and its Arthur Liman Policy Institute.

■ About Arthur Liman

■ About the Liman Policy Institute

Online Courseware

Whoopi Goldberg Joins LAC at Rockefeller Hearings

Whoopi Goldberg Joins LAC at Rockefeller Hearings

The New York State Assembly held a hearing on May 8^th--the 35^th anniversary of the enactment of the New York State’s notorious Rockefeller Drug Laws. Thanks to great film director and LAC Board member Doug Liman and Jason Flom, we were joined by Whoopi Goldberg who was eager to offer her perspective "as just a normal person and as a New Yorker" about the need to get rid of a law that is causing much more harm than the problem it was intended to address.

Training Videos

Washington Weekly Roundup Archive: 2008

Trainings and Technical Assistance

Voting Rights Victory Secured Throughout New York State

People with Past Felony Convictions Will No Longer Face Barriers to Registration
2003: The New York State Board of Elections has put an end to widespread local practices that disenfranchised thousands of citizens with felony records who should have been eligible to vote.

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Press Release

Legislative Alert: Rockefeller Drug Law Reform

2002: The Governor and Legislature are again discussing reform of the Rockefeller-era Drug Laws. These laws impose harsh mandatory prison sentences for the possession or sale of small quantities of narcotics and mandate prison sentences for repeat offenders even if they are addicted and better off in treatment.

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Position Paper on the 2003-04 Criminal Justice Budget

Drafted on behalf of a broad coalition by the Legal Action Center, this paper explains the need to maintain probation, alternatives to incarceration, and related programs.

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Position Paper

New York State AIDS Groups Develop Budget Recommendations

2003: For FY 2004-2005, New York State AIDS Advisory Council has developed a set of budget recommendations for the forthcoming state fiscal year, including baselining existing HIV/AIDS funding, funding AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), increasing investment in the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) and addressing the continued expansion of HIV-related needs in New York’s communities of color.
2002: For FY 2003-2004, The New York AIDS Coalition has submitted a budget request for almost $26 million, for the restoration of cuts from 2002-2003, and specific appropriations for substance abuse, women, incarcerated populations, housing and community-based services, more.

ASAP 2004 - 2005 Budget and Revenue Recommendations

Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Providers of New York State advocates for the restoration of the $8.754 million to offset cuts to local treatment and prevention programs; for restoration of the $10 million TANF allocation to OASAS for programs that have helped individuals with drug and alcohol problems move from welfare to full time employment; local assistance for adolescent and chemical dependency treatment and prevention programs.

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ASAP Budget Recommendations

Urge Passage Of “The Second Chance Act Of 2007”

May 2007: The Second Chance Act, legislation that seeks to help States and localities better address the needs of individuals reentering the community from the criminal justice system, was reintroduced in the House of Representatives on March 20th and in the Senate on March 30th. This legislation would provide grants to States and local areas to begin to address the need for drug and mental health treatment, job training and education opportunities, and housing, as well as other critical services for individuals when they return to the community.

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Advocacy Alert: Mental Health Parity Act

April 2007: Achieving parity in insurance coverage for alcohol, drug and mental health treatment is imperative at a time when the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has estimated the annual economic cost of alcohol and other drug problems in America to be more than $400 billion. The PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 will improve access to lifesaving mental health and addiction treatment by limiting the discriminatory barriers that have kept thousands of Americans with mental health and substance use disorders from receiving the care they desperately need.

FY 08 Federal Funding Alert

April 07: Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today and ask them to
increase funding for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, education &
research programs

Learn More:

Legislation Modifies Ban On Financial Aid to Students with Drug Convictions

February 2005: Legal Action Center lauds change in the law that will increase student financial aid eligibility for individuals
with prior drug convictions, including thousands of people in recovery from drug addiction. Under the new law, students who were convicted of drug crimes prior to their enrollment and application for federal financial aid will be eligible for aid and will no longer be subject to a ban that delays or denies federal financial assistance.

Legal Action Center Press Release on passage of legislation that modifies the ban on student federal financial aid for people convicted of drug crimes

Repeal Ban On Food Stamps And Welfare For People With Drug Felony Convictions

April 2003: LAC urges Congressional committees to end the ban on eligibility for TANF (welfare) assistance and food stamps for individuals with drug felony convictions, many of whom are mothers supporting children, and to request the availability of comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment for welfare recipients who need it.

Recovery Now Initiative and Charitable Choice

February 2003: The Legal Action Center praised President Bush for his strong statements in support of alcohol and drug treatment and recovery and announcement of a new treatment initiative during his State of the Union Address.
In a position paper, LAC "supports the view that faith-based organizations should be encouraged to provide quality alcohol and drug treatment and prevention services," but emphasizes that they "must be held accountable to the same standards of care, performance and licensure or certification as all other licensed or certified programs so that patients receive appropriate, quality care for this medical condition."

LAC Celebrates Passage of Second Chance Act

LAC Celebrates Passage of Second Chance Act

On March 13th, 2008, Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) hosted a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to celebrate the recent passage of the "Second Chance Act" reentry legislation in Congress. Joining Congressman Davis was Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH); Former Congressman and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Jack Kemp; Melody Heaps, President of the Center for Health and Justice at TASC; Paul Samuels, President and Director of the Legal Action Center; and a number of other supporters of the Second Chance Act.

Publication Spotlight

Welfare Resources

Medicaid Resources

HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention Resources

Criminal Justice Resources

Alcohol & Drug Treatment and Prevention Resources

Recent and Upcoming Events at LAC

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Financial Statement

New York State HIV/AIDS Technical Assistance

LAC provides training and technical assistance to agencies that work with people with HIV/AIDS to protect confidentiality, overcome discrimination, and address other legal issues

New York State Criminal Justice Technical Assistance

LAC provides technical assistance to agencies that work to expand employment and housing opportunities for people with criminal records and help them overcome other legal barriers to their successful re-entry into society

New York State Alcohol & Drug Technical Assistance

LAC provides training and technical assistance to agencies that work with people at risk for, suffering or in recovery from addiction. LAC has produced publications, videos, DVDs, and online courses on confidentiality, discrimination, and other important issues.

Online Courses: Confidentiality FAQs

Online Courses: Confidentiality

National H.I.R.E. Network

The National H.I.R.E. Network provides training and technical assistance to agencies working to improve the employment prospects for people with criminal records. Visit the National Hire Network (http://www.hirenetwork.org) web site.

National Criminal Justice Technical Assistance

National Alcohol & Drug Technical Assistance

LAC provides training and technical assistance to agencies that work with people at risk for, suffering or in recovery from addiction; LAC has produced publications, online courses, videos, and DVDs on confidentiality, discrimination, and other important issues.

About Training and Technical Assistance

New York State Criminal Justice Policy Research

LAC conducts research on reform of the Rockefeller-Era Drug Laws and on legal roadblocks to reentry of qualified people with criminal records

New York State HIV/AIDS Policy Research

LAC conducts research on availability of safe disposal of used syringes and other HIV prevention initiatives

New York State Alcohol and Drugs Policy Research

LAC has conducted research on reform of the Rockefeller-Era Drug Laws and managed care.

Policy Research

New York State Criminal Justice Policy Advocacy

LAC conducts advocacy and research to reform the Rockefeller-Era Drug Laws; LAC promotes a fair and effective criminal justice system and advocates increased funding for community corrections; and LAC works to help people with criminal records successfully re-enter society.

New York State HIV/AIDS Policy Analysis And Advocacy

LAC works to expand prevention, treatment and care services for people at risk for or affected by HIV and AIDS, including expansion of safe, legal access to clean needles; LAC monitors implementation of New York’s case reporting and partner notification laws; and LAC advocates to protect confidentiality and fight discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

New York State Alcohol & Drug Policy Advocacy

LAC advocates for the expansion of treatment and prevention, including maximizing Medicaid and welfare reimbursement. LAC conducts advocacy and research to reform the Rockefeller-Era Drug Laws.

National Criminal Justice Policy Advocacy

LAC advocates for repeal of the drug felon ban on welfare and food stamps and to make employment and housing available for qualified people with criminal records.

National HIV/AIDS Policy Advocacy

LAC advocates for the expansion of HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and research, and works to end discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

National Alcohol & Drugs Policy Advocacy

LAC advocates for the expansion of drug and alcohol treatment, prevention and research, fights discrimination and advocates for policies that promote employment for people with a history of alcohol or drug problems, and works to increase funding for alcohol and drug prevention, treatment, education and research

Policy Advocacy

New York State Criminal Justice Legal Services

The Legal Action Center (LAC) helps individuals with criminal records overcome barriers to jobs and housing, assisting over 800 clients annually to reenter society.

New York State HIV/AIDS Legal Services

LAC provides legal services to HIV-positive and HIV-affected individuals and their families, and to health, human services and other agencies. Issues addressed include discrimination, confidentiality, HIV testing and reporting, government benefits, living wills and more.

New York State Alcohol & Drug Legal Services

The Legal Action Center provides legal services within New York to individuals with histories of alcohol or drug dependence, and back-up assistance to treatment and prevention service providers, focusing on discrimination, confidentiality, and treatment reimbursement.

National Alcohol & Drug Legal Services

National Anti-Discrimination Project: Fighting Discrimination Against People in Recovery and People with HIV.
Through a series of class action law suits and other litigation, LAC has won precedent-setting victories challenging discrimination in employment and government benefits. Learn more about LAC’s accomplishments, our free publications and how to get help.

National HIV/AIDS Legal Services

National Anti-Discrimination Project: LAC lawyers provide legal advice to clients, provide back-up assistance to other lawyers fighting discrimination, and fight proposals in Congress that would strip individuals of hard-won civil rights. Learn more about LAC's accomplishments, free publications and how to get help.

National Criminal Justice Legal Services

In the 1970's and 1980's, LAC attorneys conducted litigation that overturned policies denying employment across-the-board to people with arrest or conviction histories, and drafted New York State’s pioneering law prohibiting unfair discrimination in employment of people with criminal records. Having won these important victories, LAC moved its litigation efforts to other areas in the 1990's. Since discrimination remains a major obstacle to successful re-entry, LAC is now considering resuming litigation in this area. Learn more about LAC's accomplishments, our free publications and how to get help.

Legal Services

LAC Publications

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Film Premiere Benefits Liman Policy Institute

February 11, 2008: Benefit Chair Doug Liman and The Legal Action Center hosted a reception for the world premiere of "Jumper," in New York City.

Advance Screening of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” Benefits the Legal Action Center

June 2, 2005: LAC Board member Doug Liman, director of the hit movie “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” arranged a preview screening of the movie to benefit the Legal Action Center. More than 500 people attended the sold-out screening at the Clearview Chelsea in Manhattan, a week before it was released.

Upcoming Trainings

At present, the Legal Action Center does not have any trainings scheduled for community-wide registration. Please check back periodically for training updates.

Registration Form

Training Materials

LAC's “Know Your Rights” trainings have provided participants with critical information about anti-discrimination laws. Learn how to conduct a “Know Your Rights” training in your state by downloading manuals, brochures for individuals and state-specific laws regarding discrimination.

Arthur Liman Policy Institute

The Arthur Liman Policy Institute conducts cutting-edge public policy research. Chief among its goals is to give Federal and State policy makers assistance in improving access to treatment, prevention, and otherwise facilitating re-entry into society for individuals with alcohol and drug problems, HIV/AIDS and criminal justice histories.

Arthur Liman (1932-1997)

To honor the memory of LAC founder Arthur Liman, LAC proudly launched the Arthur Liman Policy Institute in November 1998. The annual Arthur Liman Public Interest Award honors significant achievements in the fields of criminal justice, HIV/AIDS, and addiction.

2007 Awards Benefit

Rory Kennedy, award winning documentary filmmaker, and Brad S. Karp, Partner and co-chair of the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, were honored at the seventh annual Legal Action Center/Arthur Liman Policy Institute Awards Benefit on May 21 at the Tribeca Rooftop.

30th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Benefit 2004

This 30th Anniversary Celebration, held on Tuesday, May 18th, 2004 at the Regency Hotel in NYC, honored the Founders of the Legal Action Center Elizabeth Bartholet, Arthur Liman and Herb Sturz. A special 2004 Arthur Liman Media Award was presented to actor and keynote speaker Peter Gallagher.

Washington Weekly Roundup Archive: 2006

Washington Weekly Roundup Archive: 2007

Washington Weekly Roundup

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Following Congressional Approval, President Signs Medicaid Moratorium Legislation Into Law
House Approves Legislations Seeking to Expand Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Protections
Senate and House Appropriations Committees Approves FY 2009 Spending Bills for Programs in the Department of Justice
Legislation Seeking to Place Children in Foster Care with Their Parents in Residential Family Addiction Treatment Centers Introduced in the Senate

Legal Action Center & Lowenstein Sandler P.C. Settle Landmark HIV Discrimination Case

June 30, 2005: New Jersey Adoption Agency that Refused to Provide Services to Couple with HIV+ Partner Issues Public Apology and Agrees to Implement Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures

Voting Rights Victory: Barriers to Registration in New York Lifted for People with Felony Conviction

On October 29, 2003, the New York State Board of Elections put an end to widespread local practices that disenfranchised thousands of citizens with felony records who should have been eligible to vote.

Welcome to the Legal Action Center’s website

9/10/03: Welcome and Launch Message; List of Resources; Recent Liman Award Winners, Including Betty Ford

WWR Archives

■ 2008

■ 2007

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■ 2005

■ 2004

■ 2003

■ 2002

■ 2001

National News Alerts

Urge Passage Of "The Second Chance Act Of 2007"
The Second Chance Act, legislation that seeks to help States and localities better address the needs of individuals reentering the community from the criminal justice system, was reintroduced in the House of Representatives on March 20th and in the Senate on March 30th. This legislation would provide grants to States and local areas to begin to address the need for drug and mental health treatment, job training and education opportunities, and housing, as well as other critical services for individuals when they return to the community.

■ More National News Alerts

New York State News Alerts

Voting Rights Victory Secured Throughout New York State
People with Past Felony Convictions Will No Longer Face Barriers to Registration
The New York State Board of Elections has put an end to widespread local practices that disenfranchised thousands of citizens with felony records who should have been eligible to vote.

■ More New York News Alerts

Newsroom

Criminal Justice Publications

New/Most Requested:

Blueprint for Criminal Justice Reform - The “Blueprint for Criminal Justice Reform in New York – Bringing Justice to Scale,” is a comprehensive plan for improving New York’s criminal justice system with a particular focus on community corrections, sentencing reform and reentry.

HIV/AIDS Publications

New/Most Requested:

"It’s Now Legal to Buy Clean Syringes" (ESAP Palm Card): These palm cards, in English and Spanish, tell people buying syringes about New York’s Expanded Syringe Access Program which allows people to buy clean needles without a prescription from participating pharmacies around the state.

Alcohol and Drug Publications

New/Most Requested:

How to Get Section 8 or Public Housing Even with a Criminal Record: This manual tells people in New York City how they can get into Section 8 and public housing even if they – or someone in their household – has a criminal record or is in recovery from a drug problem. The manual is designed for applicants and their advocates.

Welfare (Women, Children and Families) Publications

New/Most Requested:

Welfare As We Know It Now: What New York’s New Welfare Laws Mean for People with Criminal Records, Substance Abuse Histories and HIV/AIDS (2000): This manual describes New York State and federal welfare laws, including eligibility categories, time limits, and work requirements, with particular attention to the provisions affecting individuals with criminal records, alcohol and drug histories, and HIV/AIDS.