As LASCO’s incoming board chair, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact this organization has on our communities, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting LASCO’s extraordinary staff. Their ability to navigate complex legal systems with compassion and resolve is truly inspiring.
This is a critical time for Legal Aid. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which provides about 25 percent of LASCO’s funding, is once again facing proposed cuts.
If those cuts move forward, the effects will be felt across southeast and central Ohio—especially by the working families who rely on civil legal services to stay housed, safe, and financially secure.
LSC’s flexible funding allows LASCO to respond quickly to urgent needs and to place attorneys directly in the communities where legal support is most needed. It also provides the structure that allows local attorneys to volunteer their time and expertise effectively. When families were evacuated from unsafe housing on Christmas Day 2022, LASCO partnered with pro bono counsel and the City of Columbus to secure a $1.5 million settlement for tenants—justice made possible by LSC-funded attorneys. In 2024, LASCO helped clients recover more than $11 million in critical support—dollars that flowed directly back into our communities.
Legal Aid is a smart investment with a strong return. But more than that, it’s about fairness and stability. With uncertain times ahead, strong, community-rooted legal services will matter more than ever. I’m proud to support LASCO, and I hope you’ll stand with us.
