COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 23, 2019) — The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation on Tuesday announced State Representative Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) as the 2019 recipient of the Voice of Justice Award.
Created in 2015, the award recognizes a person or organization demonstrating outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of low-income Ohioans who may need legal assistance to help them live stable, healthy and financially secure lives.
Rep. Greenspan was recognized for his advocacy on legislation to create the Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Initiative pilot program, which helped more than 76,000 Ohioans address barriers to restoring their driver’s licenses, and ongoing efforts to make the program permanent. His support of efforts to enhance General Revenue Fund funding for legal aid in the FY 2020-21 budget was also noted.
“Rep. Greenspan has been a crucial ally in championing legal services for Ohioans struggling to make ends meet,” said Kim Shumate, the Foundation’s board president, who presented the award to Rep. Greenspan during a reception in the Statehouse Atrium.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition for this important issue,” said Rep. Greenspan. “I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize my joint sponsor in the last General Assembly, former State Representative John Barnes, for his belief in and commitment to this issue. Additionally, I’d like to thank my current joint sponsor, Representative Juanita Brent, for her desire to work to make this program permanent. The pilot program has provided relief for thousands of drivers; the new bill will continue to provide relief for those who qualify and will serve as a bridge to enhance quality of life and employment opportunities for all Ohioans.”
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation improves fairness and access to justice for all Ohioans. Established in 1994 as the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, the Foundation funds Ohio’s legal aids through the IOLTA/IOTA program, a civil filing fee surcharge, and donations. Legal aid helps families, children, veterans, seniors, and other Ohioans struggling to make ends meet get back on their feet and on the road to self-sufficiency. Through the Foundation’s work, Ohioans have access to legal help, advice, and representation, which ensures fairness for all in the justice system.