Elder Justice News |
NCCNHR Press Release |
Neglect and Abuse Targeted |
One Page Summary |
Act Re-introduced June 17, 2003 |
Action Alert 9/20/04 |
Action Alert 9/20/04 Action Alert 9/20/04
ACTION NEEDED NOW: Call about the Elder Justice Act Today
The Elder Justice Act, which we have strongly supported for two years, has an opportunity to be passed before Congress adjourns next month if everything goes smoothly. The Senate Finance Committee unanimously voted out the bill on Monday.
However, the Elder Justice Act may be in jeopardy. Another Senate committee, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP Committee) -- is holding a closed session late this afternoon to mark up its own bill. NCCNHR has some concerns about the HELP bill (see our attached letter). It would authorize the Administration on Aging to give states money to award for elder justice grants, but these grants would be very unstructured. The HELP bill would not provide the much-needed national framework and resources to improve public agencies' ability to deal with elder abuse and neglect in all settings, including long-term care facilities. It is very important that the HELP Committee bill be merged with the Finance Committee bill -- not sent to the full Senate as an alternative or substitute.
What you can do NOW: Please call the HELP Committee staff NOW and tell them:
The Breaux Elder Justice Act approved by the Finance Committee is very important to combat abuse against nursing home residents.
The HELP bill should not be an alternative to the Finance Committee bill. Please blend the HELP bill with the Finance Committee bill.
Place your phone calls to:
Stephanie Monroe with Senator Judd Gregg at 202/224-6211
Rhonda Richards with Senator Barbara Mikulski at 202/224-4654
See NCCNHR letter to Sens. Gregg and Kennedy
NCCNHR letter to Sen. Judd Gregg, Chair Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions - 9/20/04
Thanks for your help!
|
