[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHERN 
                               CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an organization with a 
distinguished history of community service to the Sacramento capital 
region. Legal Services of Northern California is celebrating 50 years 
of providing free legal services to the low-income residents of 
Sacramento County and 22 other counties in Northern California. As the 
staff and supporters of Legal Services of Northern California gather to 
celebrate this momentous milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join me 
in saluting one of Sacramento's most important and respected 
organizations.
  In 1956, Legal Services of Northern California, then known as the 
Legal Aid Society of Sacramento County, was born out of the insight of 
prominent members of the Sacramento Bar Association and a budget of 
$12,000. With the assistance of volunteer pro bono attorneys and a 
staff consisting of one part-time attorney and one social worker, the 
Legal Aid Society of Sacramento County finished its first year having 
provided assistance to nearly 2,900 low-income clients.
  From these humble beginnings 50 years ago, the Legal Aid Society has 
grown significantly. In 1967, the organization began to expand its 
services beyond Sacramento County and opened offices in Yolo County. By 
the late 1970s, the Legal Aid Society of Sacramento County had acquired 
a state-wide reputation for resolute and effective advocacy on behalf 
of the poor and disabled, and had won significant victories on behalf 
of its clients. To reflect its expanding geographic reach, the 
organization changed its name in 1979 to Legal Services of Northern 
California, which today operates offices serving 23 counties, with a 
budget of over $7 million and a staff of over 120 employees and 1,000 
volunteers.
  Legal Services of Northern California has also greatly expanded its 
scope of services beyond providing traditional legal assistance to low-
income individuals. The organization now operates the Senior Legal 
Hotline, the Health Rights Hotline, Ombudsman Services of Northern 
California, and the Disability Employment Rights Advocacy Program, As a 
testament to its far-reaching services, the Senior Legal Hotline fields 
almost 9,000 calls each year from seniors all over California. Also 
notable was in early 2006 when Legal Services of Northern California 
acquired the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, an 
organization that advises thousands of seniors on the different 
prescription drug plans available to them under Medicare.
  Mr. Speaker, for 50 years the good men and women of Legal Services of 
Northern California have dedicated countless hours to identifying and 
defeating the causes of poverty and injustice. As the staff and 
volunteer attorneys gather to reflect upon a half century of exemplary 
service to the community, I am proud to recognize such a reputable 
organization. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Legal Services of Northern California and wishing them many more years 
of continued success.

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