2015 has been a banner year for the Public Interest Law Center, thanks to the support of people like you.

School funding clients and legal team

We took our school funding lawsuit to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to fight for equitable funding for 2 million school students.

Attorney Ben Geffen at oral argument

Our health care lawsuit secured a first-in-the-nation precedent when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered the Department of Human Services to release information showing how much the state pays for medical and dental services to people enrolled in Medicaid.

We helped the Department of State launch online voter registration, which has been used by more than 50,000 people in just six months.

Parent clients with their legal team

We supported 7 Philadelphia parents in holding the Pennsylvania Department of Education accountable for curriculum deficiencies in local schools; for the first time ever, the Department investigated the deficiencies.

We brought a federal law suit against the School District of Philadelphia for failing to provide interpretation and translation services to 25,000 families with limited English proficiency.

Soil Generation coalition

We represented and consulted with 38 gardens and farms, helped the citywide Soil Generation coalition grow, trained 200 people on accessing vacant land, and reached more than 24,000 people through our online vacant land map.

Dean Epps presents Jenny Clarke with the Barristers' MLK Award

Together with our staff we received 7 awards, ranging from the NAACP Juanita Jackson Mitchell Award to the Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award.

All of this work on behalf of our clients, and so much more, is made possible by your support.

If you haven't already made a tax deductible contribution, now is the best time to do so. All new and increased donations will be matched $1-for-$1 by a group of generous matching donors.

If you have never donated before, consider making a new donation of $5 or $10 today. Or, if you are a loyal supporter, consider increasing your gift by just $5 or $10. Every dollar counts! Go to www.pubintlaw.org/donate to make your 2015 tax deductible contribution.

Here's to an even better 2016! Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Jennifer R. Clarke

Executive Director

Special Education Seminar: Discipline, Truancy and More

This seminar is designed to address disciplinary issues. The presentation will include disciplinary rights of students not yet identified for special education services or 504 plans; the disciplinary rights of students with IEPs and 504 plans, and an advocate's view of assisting families with truancy issues.