The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) reports that Senate Democrats have unveiled an omnibus appropriations bill that would fund a wide range of government functions for fiscal year 2011. The package contains an appropriation of $440 million dollars for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and removes the restriction on class actions.

NLADA states that currently it remains unclear whether Senators Reid and Inouye can garner enough Republican support to ensure passage of the omnibus appropriations bill in the Senate. If their efforts are not successful, the Senate is likely to adopt a continuing resolution, the terms of which have not been announced at this point. The House of Representatives has already passed a continuing resolution which funds LSC at $420 and maintains all existing restrictions.

Action in the Senate is expected on the bill in the very near future.

Press Release - U.S. Senate Committee on Apprpriations:
Summary: Fiscal Year 2011 - Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations