News Release
Senator Hinojosa Named “Legislative Hero” for Improving Access to Justice to the More Than 5.7 Million Texans Who Qualify for Legal Aid Senator Hinojosa is being recognized for his outstanding leadership efforts in the 81st Texas Legislature that led to an historic appropriation of $20 million for civil legal services for poor and low-income Texans. “Times are tough, and funding is scarce for the legal assistance low-income Texans desperately need, whether it’s a protective order to prevent abuse, obtaining benefits for the family, help with an eviction, or other legal services,” Justice Hecht said. “Senator Hinojosa understands, and he has supported this worthy cause with leadership, determination, and courage.” “I believe in the fundamental
right to legal representation. That right is
the cornerstone of our justice system – everyone has
a right to access the judicial system for protection
and relief,” Senator Hinojosa said. “A
person’s economic status should never interfere with
their ability to participate in that system. I
remain a staunch advocate for legal aid services.
I am honored, but ultimately humbled, by this award.
I began my legal career working for legal aid.
Those are my roots. This is truly a
recognition of the institution of legal aid
services.” The Texas Access to Justice
Commission and Foundation launched the Legislative
Hero Award program in 2010 to recognize legislators
who, through their efforts, have significantly
advanced access to justice in “Senator Hinojosa’s efforts help us bring access to justice to all Texans closer to reality,” Richard L. Tate, chair of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, said. “Without his assistance, thousands of Texans would have had to face the legal system alone and without guidance. We are grateful and appreciative of his efforts.” As a member of the House of
Representatives and Senate for more than 20 years,
Senator Hinojosa has made an impact in the growth
and development of Senator Hinojosa is currently
the vice chairman of the Senate Finance Committee,
and holds seats on the Senate’s Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Criminal Justice, Jurisprudence and
Natural Resources Committees. He is the eldest of
eight children and served in the U.S. Marine Corps
in the Vietnam War. Senator Hinojosa graduated with
honors from the University of Texas-Pan American
with a bachelor's degree in political science, and
completed his legal studies at Legal aid organizations funded
by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation help more
than 100,000 low-income
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The
Texas Access to Justice Commission
was created in 2001 by the Supreme Court of 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 more than 100,000 Texans each year.
Contact: Kimberly Schmitt
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