Major Developments in NCLEJ Litigation Since 2002
2004
Center Secures Relief for Thousands in Colorado After Months of Suffering from Computer System Meltdown
In 2004 Colorado converted its statewide databases for all of its public benefit programs to one system even though it knew from a trial run that the system was flawed. As a result, applications for benefits from thousands of people were hopelessly delayed or denied, benefits already awarded were not delivered, and blizzards of contradictory and confusing notices descended upon desperate families. We were brought in by local advocates and played a key role in securing court orders and negotiations that have resulted in significant improvements. We are working with the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Sherman & Howard LLC, and Miles & Peters LLC. (Hawthorne-Bey v. Reinertson)
NCLEJ and Colleagues Protect Women from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in New York
In a precedent setting case, a federal appeals court ruled in 2004 that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects women in New York City from sexual harassment and discrimination when they are working for welfare grants. This groundbreaking ruling recognized that the federal law protecting against discrimination in employment applies equally to these workers (United States v. City of New York).
Centers Helps Secure Dental Care for 60,000 New Hampshire Children
We were instrumental in helping to win a settlement securing dental services for 60,000 low-income children in New Hampshire. A federal court class action challenged the state's egregious failure to provide dental care to children, as required by federal Medicaid law. When settlement negotiations collapsed and a trial date loomed, local counsel enlisted the Center to help prepare the case for trial. Working under tight deadlines, we provided on-the-ground staff, wrote legal briefs, and secured expert witnesses that helped convince the state to settle. We worked with New Hampshire Legal Assistance. (Hawkins v. Commissioner)
More: Federal Judge Enters New Hampshire Consent Decree to Reform Medicaid Dental Program for Children (May 2004)
