10-31-2023 11:59am

WCBDD Awards State Representative Lipps For His Advocacy Efforts In The DD Field

WCBDD Superintendent, Megan Manuel, presents the "Dave Farmer Memorial Award" to State Representative Scott Lipps

LEBANON, OH -- On October, 18, 2023, State Representative Scott Lipps was recognized by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) as the recipient of the “Dave Farmer Award.” Presented by WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel, Representative Lipps accepted his award at WCBDD’s annual In-Service located in Lebanon, where he was honored for his advocacy efforts in the DD field.

The “Dave Farmer Award” was created in 2012 when Dave Farmer, a beloved WCBDD employee, passed away unexpectedly. Known to many as a dedicated family man and a role model for young men, Dave was also a strong leader and an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

The purpose of the “Dave Farmer Award” is to recognize someone who has emulated Dave's qualities through selfless acts and dedication to people with developmental disabilities. Such acts of selflessness and dedication to those with disabilities, Representative Lipps more than fits the bill.

Representative Lipps has devoted much of his life to public service and philanthropy. He has participated in many philanthropic organizations including Rotary, Optimist Club, Farm Bureau, the Masons, and Shriners. His public service career boasts sixteen years on Franklin City Council, eight of which he served as mayor, and he is currently serving his fourth term as State Representative, a position he has held since 2017. Throughout his terms, Representative Lipps has remained transparent in his priority of advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, including those working in the DD field.

During the FY2020-21 state budget process, Representative Lipps was a vocal advocate for raising the wages of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and coordinated efforts between Ohio Assembly members to put additional state funds behind the DSP wage increase. These efforts resulted in a $2 wage increase that went above and beyond the originally introduced budget.

Thanks to Representative Lipps’ continuous persistence, the last two state biennial budgets for FY2022-23 and FY2024-25, have reached historic levels regarding the funds allotted for people with developmental disabilities. Representative Lipps has also been heavily involved in state discussions on sub-minimum wage. While he considers both sides of the argument, Representative Lipps remains laser-focused on doing what is right for people with developmental disabilities.

In addition to earning the “Dave Farmer Award,” Representative Lipps was named the recipient of the 2019 “Legislature of the Year Award” by the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB). Additionally, Representative Lipps has maintained an over twenty-year friendship with a gentleman enrolled in WCBDD services, proving that the compassion and devotion he has for individuals with disabilities is no mere lip service.