Springfield, IL ... State Representative Mike Unes (R-East
Peoria) passed bipartisan legislation through the Illinois House last week to
protect senior citizens and other adults from financial abuse and
exploitation. SB 1309, which allows
state agencies additional ability to look into financial records of persons
they serve with state programs in an effort to prevent financial exploitation
and investigate alleged abuse more quickly, passed the Illinois House last
Wednesday after already clearing the State Senate in April.
“We know that financial exploitation of seniors and adults
with disabilities happens too often and we need additional tools to catch it
earlier and investigate it more thoroughly.
This bill will allow that to happen, and will protect some of the most
vulnerable people we represent,” said Rep. Unes in advocating for the passage
of the bill. “We also know that this
kind of abuse often means additional strain on public support systems, so we
hope that by curbing this type of abuse, we can save taxpayer dollars,”
continued Rep. Unes.
Robert F. Harris, Cook County Public Guardian and one of the
proponents of the bill’s passage, explained the bill’s need: “Senate Bill 1309 gives Public Guardians
throughout Illinois the tools to act quickly and protect the elderly and adults
with disabilities who are being or at risk of being abused, neglected or
financially exploited.”
SB 1309 will now go
to Governor Rauner before becoming law.
Rep. Unes hopes that the bills unanimous passage in both the House and
Senate will help to send a signal to potential abusers that this kind of
behavior will not be tolerated in Illinois.
For more
information on this or any other state issues, contact Rep. Unes’ Pekin
District Office at 309-620-8631.
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