Senior Advocacy in Action Alert

8/9/2011 4:00pm

Action is needed on elder abuse bills! Individuals are encouraged to contact legislators to get legislation passed this year.

Five years ago, a Governor-appointed Task Force of aging experts released a set of recommendations on addressing the growing, and mostly hidden, problem of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.  Since then, many bills have been introduced, but have died due to inaction by one or both houses.  Similar bills have been introduced in 2011.  We want legislators to get the job done this year to prevent abuse and get justice for victims.  

What You Can Do:

Contact these Committee Chairs and ask them to take action on the elder abuse bills in their committees this fall:   

• Sen. Judy Emmons    (517) 373-3760   senjemmons@senate.michigan.gov
• Sen. Rick Jones         (517) 373-3447    senrjones@senate.michigan.gov
• Rep. Ken Kurtz          (866) 362-8812     kennethkurtz@house.mi.gov
• Rep. John Walsh   (517) 373-3920         johnwalsh@house.mi.gov

Background:

 There are more than 40 bills dealing with abuse, here are just a few examples: 

• House Bill 4331 and Senate Bill 461 would prevent an abuser from inheriting his/her victim’s assets.  
• House Bill 4327 and Senate Bill 454 would allow vulnerable adults to provide videotaped testimony similar to laws protecting children from having to face their abusers. 
• House Bill 4345 and Senate Bill 468 would allow a third party to file a complaint with law enforcement regarding abuse, even though the abused person refuses to file a complaint.
• House Bill 4332 and Senate Bill 466 would require law enforcement to publicize a missing elder similar to the Amber Alerts used for missing children 

Talking points: 

• About 80,000 Michigan elders fall victim to some form of abuse each year.
• Last year, Adult Protective Services received 19,000 calls reporting abuse, up from 12,000 calls in 2000.
• 70% of abusers are ‘trusted ones,’ including spouses, children, grandchildren and friends.  Victims come from all walks of life and income classes, as witnessed by Mickey Rooney’s testimony before the Congress.
• Michigan’s high rate of unemployment is fueling the financial exploitation of the elderly.

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