[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               INTRODUCING THE LEGAL SERVICES BENEFIT ACT

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 10, 2009

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my friend Mr. Ryan in 
reintroducing the Legal Services Benefit Act.
  This bill reinstates the tax preference for companies to provide 
access to affordable preventive legal services for employees arid 
retirees. This preference existed for many years, until it was allowed 
to sunset in 1991.
  Group legal service plans provide employees with low cost, basic 
legal services, including assistance with the purchase of a home, the 
preparation of a will, probate services and the resolution of domestic 
conflicts, such as child support collection. With rising evictions and 
mortgage foreclosures, families need more help in these areas than 
ever. When hard times hit and families face difficult challenges, legal 
plans can help keep employees in their homes and focused on their jobs.
  The Legal Services Benefit Act will restore the historic pre-tax 
treatment of group legal services. This change to the tax code will 
again make legal service plans affordable for both employers and 
employees, and will provide access to legal services for millions of 
middle-income Americans who might otherwise let legal troubles get out 
of hand.
  Last year, this bill became part of the Taxpayer Assistance and 
Simplification Act of 2008, and passed the House 238--179.
  I ask my colleagues to again join me again in supporting this 
important bill that will help workers and businesses.

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