Senator Dale M. Volker Secures $180,000 For Wyoming County Indigent Parolee Program

(Albany, NY) Senator Dale M. Volker (R-I-C, Depew) today announced that he has secured $180,000 for the Wyoming County Indigent Parolee Program within the adopted 2004-2005 New York State Budget. This funding will ensure that the Wyoming County Indigent Parolee Program will remain fully operational in providing defense services for residents throughout Wyoming County.

"The Wyoming County Indigent Parolee Program has a proven track record in providing defense services in a cost-effective and efficient manner for those whose come in contact with our state’s criminal justice system. It is a well-run program that must not be diminished nor curtailed," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "New York State law entitles people who have financial challenges and are facing parole proceedings to have legal counsel. The Wyoming County Indigent Parolee Program has provided legal services for thousands of individuals for many years. I am pleased to assist this organization so that they may continue to provide Wyoming County residents with expert legal advice during difficult personal and financial times."

Norman P. Effman, Executive Director of the Wyoming County-Attica Legal Aid Bureau said, "Senator Volker has been a tremendous supporter of our organization for many years and he has worked very hard with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, The Governor’s office, and within the State Senate and State Assembly to secure state funds to keep our organization viable for Wyoming County residents who need expert legal services. I can only say that his support has been made a tremendous impact for many Wyoming County residents who have been in contact with our criminal justice organizations, without impacting our taxpayers."

New York State law entitles poor people facing parole proceedings and parole appeals to court appointed counsel. To ensure that counties would not be fiscally burdened by this state mandate, the Indigent Parolee Representation Program was created in 1978. The program was designed to reimburse expenses incurred by localities—especially those with prisons in the in jurisdictions—in providing counsel in these parole-related proceedings.

####