By ALEX DOTY
Sentinel-Standard writer
June 29, 2009
With baby boomers aging and more of the population entering their golden years, local lawmakers are doing their part to ensure that senior citizens don't end up being victimized by those preying on the elderly community.
Rep. Mike Huckleberry, D-Greenville, called elder abuse a concern for residents of Michigan.
“(Elder abuse) often gets swept under the rug here in Michigan,” Rep. Mike Huckleberry, D-Greenville, said during the unveiling of the plan Monday afternoon.
Under a new plan backed by Huckleberry and recently introduced into the state legislature, there would be increased penalties for cheating or defrauding seniors, citizens would be empowered to file criminal complaints against those who scam seniors and they would require financial institutions to do more to disclose the rights of seniors and disclose against fraud.
“The penalties and protections on the books when it comes to elder abuse are not strict enough,” Rep. Mary Valentine, D-Norton Shores, said.
Valentine, who was in Ionia along with Huckleberry to announce the plan, knows all too well the affects of elder abuse on its victims and families.
“This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart,” she said, adding at one time her uncle had fallen victim to financial abuse.
In especially hard economic times, Valentine also said financial elder abuse can hit close to home, especially when some family members might prey on unsuspecting seniors as a means for financial well-being.
In addition to providing protection against fraud and scams against senior citizens, the plan would also create a special community alert in the event of a senior going missing.
Called the Mozelle Alert, it would be a way to notify the public in case a senior citizen goes missing.
It was named after Detroit resident Estella Mozelle Pierce who died after wandering from her home, would be similar to an Amber Alert.
Additionally, with many at the state level doing what it takes to improve the economy by releasing certain offenders from prison, legislators don't see the elder abuse crackdown as something that will put people back in jail.
“This is stopping people from going to jail,” Huckleberry said, adding the plan would be a deterrent aimed at preventing abuse.
He also called the jail space well deserved for those who do happen to be abusing senior citizens.
“If someone is abusing a senior, they belong in jail,” Huckleberry said.
According to Huckleberry, now that the legislation has been introduced, it is anticipated that it will be further hammered out in various committees before any future legislative action is taken.
“I think we have a good chance of this going through,” he said.
Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, said although he hasn't had the chance to look over the proposal, he believes with people living longer these topics deserve a more thorough look in order to better protect senior citizens.
SOURCE: Sentinel-Standard - Ionia,MI,USA
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