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News Release
AUSTIN, Texas – The
Texas Access to Justice Commission and Texas Access to Justice Foundation
honored Texas Representative Oscar Longoria at an annual luncheon today as a
Texas Access to Justice Legislative Hero for his contributions during the
last session of the Texas Legislature.
“As an attorney,
Rep. Longoria understands that legal aid is essential for the economically
disadvantaged and that having a lawyer can make all the difference in a time
of need,” Justice Guzman said. “We’re truly thankful for all the hard work
he has put into championing legal aid for all Texans.”
The Texas Access to
Justice Commission and Foundation launched the Legislative Hero Award
>program in 2010 to recognize
legislators who have significantly advanced access to justice in the state,
either by assisting with the appropriation of funds and/or other substantive
activities related to providing legal aid.
“I believe in making a strong impact on
underprivileged Texans who need legal services,” Rep. Longoria said. "I
hope to continue to create viable solutions and foster legislation that will
positively affect not only the Rio Grande Valley, but all our Texas families
and communities.”
Legal aid
organizations funded by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation help more
than 150,000 low-income Texas families each year; however, only about 10
percent of the civil legal needs of low-income and poor Texans are met due
to a lack of resources.
-30- The Texas
Access to Justice Commission was created in 2001 by the Supreme Court of
Texas to develop and implement policy initiatives designed to expand access
to and enhance the quality of justice in civil legal matters for low-income
Texans. The Commission has created several initiatives to increase resources
and awareness of legal aid. For more information, please visit
www.TexasATJ.org. The Texas
Access to Justice Foundation (www.teajf.org),
created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, is the primary state-based
funding source for the provision of civil legal aid in Texas. The
organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal
access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation administers a
variety of funding sources, which are earmarked to assist nonprofit
organizations in providing legal aid to approximately 150,000 Texas families
each year.
Contact:
Kimberly Schmitt
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