Sen. Bob Dixon Receives the Rory Ellinger Legislative Award

Sen. Bob Dixon Receives the Rory Ellinger Legislative Award

JEFFERSON CITY – Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, was honored Aug. 31, “for outstanding contributions to promoting equal access to justice for all,” and presented with the Rory Ellinger Legislative Award by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s (LSEM) during its annual awards ceremony.

Specifically cited was Sen. Dixon’s work to pass Senate Bill 735 during the recently completed legislative session in May. The bill, which was signed by the governor and went into effect Aug. 28, will implement continued reforms to the State Public Defender Program and extend the sunsets on the court fees currently funding the Statewide Court Automation Fund and the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund. The sunsets were extended through 2023 and 2025, respectively.

“While I’m grateful for the recognition,” Sen. Dixon said, “I’m appreciative of the real heroes we celebrate – the men and women whose volunteer spirit ensures many Missourians see justice who would otherwise be unable to. They make possible the words of Amos. ‘Let justice roll on like a mighty river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream!’”

The Rory Ellinger Legislative Award is named for former State Rep. Rory Ellinger of St. Louis. Ellinger was a lifelong advocate for justice and a significant supporter of LSEM. The award recognizes those who have shown outstanding commitment to providing equal access to justice. LSEM is an independent, non-profit organization that provides high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people and the elderly in Eastern Missouri. In 2015, LSEM provided services to more than 14,400 Missourians through direct legal advocacy: 5,229 clients and their 9,213 household members.