Congressmen Offer Support For UMass Law School

BOSTON — Three members of the state’s congressional delegation back the idea of a UMass law school.

Sen. John Kerry and Reps. Barney Frank and James McGovern wrote a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick saying a public law school “will be another example of how this university strategically helps our region.”

Trustees at the private Southern New England School of Law have offered their campus in exchange for the state assuming $2.5 million in debt.

The UMass trustees Committee on Academic and Student Affairs on Wednesday voted to approve the plan. It now goes before the Committee on Administration and Finance on Dec. 2, and the full UMass Board of Trustees on Dec. 10.

Opponents include state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill. They say the state cannot afford to accept the offer during a recession.