Statement: Defender “Flat Funded” for FY 2027
Statement from Chief Defender Keisha Hudson about the City’s decision not to increase the Defender Association’s FY 2027 budget.
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is extremely disappointed that the FY27 budget passed by City Council flat funds our office, despite the critical role public defenders play in Philadelphia’s justice system and broader public safety efforts.
Notably, the Defender Association is the only major justice system partner that did not receive a funding increase this year. While the District Attorney’s Office, the Courts, and the Police Department all received additional funds, public defenders were left behind. This decision undermines the principle that every justice system stakeholder needs adequate resources to fulfill their duties.
For years, our office has been asked to do more with less. Every year the demands on our attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff continue to grow. Unfortunately, this budget fails to provide the resources we requested to meet those obligations. As a result, we will be forced to make difficult decisions about the level of staffing and support we can provide to court operations and citywide initiatives that rely on our office’s participation. This is not the position we hoped to find ourselves in.
This budget will have real consequences on our ability to staff courtrooms and programs at the levels we have in the past. It jeopardizes our ability to meet the needs of our clients, the courts, and the public. More importantly, it doesn’t serve the interests of our clients, the justice system or public safety.
We remain committed to working with City leaders and our justice system partners to find solutions, but meaningful collaboration must be matched by meaningful investment. Philadelphia cannot afford to continue underfunding the only constitutionally mandated institution responsible for ensuring the fair and efficient operation of its justice system.
More Info on the FY27 Budget
