Memora ndu m pate: June 18, 1981 To: David A. Dean WrY Stone Re, LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION 4,71.114.44aidg.......M.M.OFO.P.OK111140a.111111M111110111111110,101.12.111 The State of iexas Office of State -Federal Relations 1019 Mnitt4altnrri Slree; NW.- Suite 830 Washington. OZ. 20036 202i223.3265 William P. Ciernents. Jr, (..k-vverricx Daly Stone Director In response to your request on the prospects for the Legal Services Corporation, both in Congress and in the Administration, the following is my opinion. David Stockman is the person in the Administration who is the most strongly opposed to funding the Legal Services Corporation. He is not opposed to the Legal Services Corporation so much from a fiscal standpoint as he is from a philosophical standpoint. His idea is no funding for the program at all, not just reduced funding. It is my understanding that the Senior White House Staff also supports that position. The House will probably take a vote on the Legal Services Corporation late today. Congress is grappling with the idea of reducing their funding in half as opposed to no funding. On top of the funding issue is the consideration of several major amendments to the authorization for the Legal Services Corporation, the major one of which is the amendment that curtails the authority of attorneys working for the corporation to engage in class action lawsuits. The White House is fairly well committed to vetoing any funding for the Legal Services Corporation should the Congress pass such a measure. Paramount in the White House's consideration of whether to veto or not to veto will be the actual voti count. The margin of passage will be the ultimate factor in their consider- ation. an dictating this, David, as I am rushing out the door to the airport and will not have time to review this. I hope it is legible. 1 think it would be very safe for the Governor to come out in favor of complete abolishment of the Legal Services Corporation. I will advise you as to the outcome of that vote this evening. 05:sfb
