OSHGAC Announces 2008 Legislator of the Year Recipient

The Ohio Speech and Hearing Governmental Affairs Coalition (OSHGAC) is pleased to announce that Senator Joy Padgett (Rep. 20^th District) has been chosen as the 2008 OSHGAC Legislator of the Year.  This award, given annually by the OSHGAC recognizes an Ohio Legislator for contributions which have or will affect our profession in the area of communicative disorders. The legislator's work should have far-reaching effects in a positive manner to not only the speech and hearing impaired but the general public.  Senator Padgett was the sponsor of Senate Bill 143, to establish a limited student permit category for speech language pathology interns.  Senator Padgett, a former educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, recognized the need to develop a plan to combat the shortage of speech language pathologists in rural school districts throughout Ohio.  Senator Padgett supported the innovative plan that was conceptualized by the Ohio Department of Education and speech language pathologists representing the OSHGAC.  Speech language pathologists are confident this plan will help reduce shortages while maintaining quality of care for children receiving speech/language services in Ohio schools. Senator Padgett will be presented with this most deserving award by the 2007 OSHGAC Legislator of the Year Senator Ray Miller (Dem. 15^th District) at the Annual OSHGAC Legislative Breakfast on February 20, 2008 in the State House Atrium.  We hope you will join us at the Legislative Breakfast to thank Senator Padgett for her good work.

Outstanding Legislator Recipients