ABA Honors Rep. Obey for Support of Funding for Civil Legal
Services
May 13, 2004
Wisconsin Rep. David Obey (D-Wausau) was recognized by the American Bar
Association for his "extraordinary contributions to legal reform
and the administration of justice" at a May 5 reception in
Washington, D.C.
Rep. Obey, who is serving his eighteenth term in Congress, is a
longtime, vocal champion of adequate funding for the Legal Services
Corporation (LSC). His impassioned, bipartisan advocacy on the issue in
2003 resulted in a critical increase in funding, which prevented drastic
funding cuts in 26 states, including Wisconsin.
In 2003, Wisconsin's LSC programs were facing cuts topping
$700,000, a devastating loss for Wisconsin's low-income
citizens," said State Bar President George Burnett. "As
always, Congressman Obey stepped into the breach to advocate in Congress
on behalf of the Legal Services Corporation and Wisconsin's most
needy. We thank him for his continued and tireless
commitment."
In attendance to help honor Rep. Obey were State Bar Past President
Pat Ballman; Atty. Christine Bremer of Wausau; Secretary/Treasurer of
the ABA Young Lawyers Division, Atty. Christina Plum of Milwaukee; and
State Bar Public Affairs Director Dan Rossmiller.