Here is a list of addresses, emails and phone numbers that you can use to support SB157 and HB 427.
I have to preface these post with a shout out: the images are from Kyle Roth, a local photographer who does beautiful work and who is a big champion of Cleveland, be sure to read his blog at North Coast Lifestyle and Epstein Design Partners.
The most moving and inspiring talk of the entire TEDxCLE event was Patrick Perotti, Esq. While normally the word lawyer makes people cringe, Mr Perotti and his firm, Dworken & Bernstein company actually are giving lawyers a good name. They founded a group called Lawyers Give Back.
This video explains their work better than I can, but I will give it a shot. Dworken & Bernstein settle class action law suits. If you have ever gotten one of those long papers in the mail, then you know that for a couple of bucks, it hardly seems worth the effort. Thus, many times that money gets left behind. Plaintiffs are not found, paperwork is not sent in, people move or pass away. So when the lawsuit is settled, usually only 20% is actually paid to the plaintiffs. Where does the rest go? Usually back to the company that was paying it out. If you think that doesn’t seem fair, then you are right. Dworken & Bernstein uses something called cy pres to take that left over money and use some or all of it to give to charity. They do this not because they make any more money, but because it is the right thing to do. In fact, they make less money, because a cy pres lawsuit takes more time and effort to settle for the same fees. Checkout Patrick’s explanation:
In a time when there is less and less money to go around, why not get those corporations who are supposed to be paying, to pay their settlement to charity? It only makes sense, but many lawyers do not take the extra time and effort to do what is right. Corporations hate the idea of cy pres, because if money is left unclaimed, they can get it back. Knowing that, they will settle faster and for more money, knowing that most will come back to them. But watch this video to see why this is so important.
Want to know how you can help? One letter. One phone call. That is all it takes for you to express your support of the bills in the state legislature. Here is a sample letter. Here is a list of addresses, emails and phone numbers that you can use. The Senate bill is 157 and the House bill is 427. Surprising to me is sponsors of these bills come from both sides of the political aisle, because it is the right thing for people and for Ohio. 60 million dollars is left on the table in Ohio and $12 billion across the country, so let’s put that money to good use. Last year, $14 million dollars was donated to 34 charities. Find out where it went in the video:
What more needs to be said here? If you need more reasons to send your support to the state government, then go to You Tube and search cy pres and you will find some great charities that being helped by this money. If you want to know more check out Dworken & Bernstein.
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As we prepare for the biggest feasting day of the year in America, it is easy to forgot about those who are less fortunate than us. While we think about how tough this year has been for us, with the recession, unemployment, rising energy costs, and other worries, the truth is that if you are reading this you have a roof over your head, a computer, and internet access. Around the corner from you may be a homeless person who has little more than the clothes on their back, so count your blessings and give thanks…
