Welcome to The Senior Alliance's advocacy newsletter, COLLOQUY!

This monthly e-mail is a look at the issues, legislation, and policies impacting aging.

Guardianship Bills Make It Through State House Committee

The Michigan State House Judiciary Committee passed a series of guardianship bills on Wednesday, October 10th. These bills, known as House Bills 4909 – 4912 and 5047, reflect the recommendations of Attorney General Dana Nessel's Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF). Most notably, HB 4909 – 4912 would require all court-appointed guardians and conservators to be licensed; establish suitability requirements in the appointments of a guardian or conservator; require the court to document why a family member was not suitable to serve as guardian or conservator; ensure those potentially being placed under guardianship have the right to an attorney; and HB 5047 would create an Office of State Guardian within MDHHS to oversee guardians and investigate cases of guardianship abuse.

It is estimated that over 60,000 Michigan residents are currently under a form of guardianship or conservatorship. With how frequently guardianships and conservatorships are invoked, and how fragmented the current legislation surrounding guardianships and conservatorships are, there have been a great deal of unfortunate stories from families and friends who've had their loved ones placed under guardianship. The passage of this bill package through the House Judiciary Committee follows many years of the same proposed reforms being periodically recommended, but never making it into law. The bills are being backed by many organizations (AARP, MI LTCO Program, Alzheimer’s Association) and are expected to be voted through the legislature with bipartisan support by the end of the year. 

MI Department of Attorney General Updates Webform to Report Elder Abuse

The Michigan Department of Attorney General, in conjunction with the Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF) has launched an updated webform for residents to report suspected incidents of elder abuse, patient abuse, and exploitation. The webform can be found here.

The updated form includes sections to identify: 

• The person being abused or in need of assistance 
• The person alleged to be responsible for the abuse 
• If the abuse has been previously reported to other agencies
• Details of the abuse  

The complaints are then investigated by the Department’s Financial Crimes or Health Care Fraud Division, depending on the details of the allegation. 

It is estimated that more than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse, and that less than half of all instances are reported to authorities. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.   

U.S. House Still Without a Speaker; Government Shut Down Looms

The U.S. House of Representatives has yet to elect a new Speaker of the House after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) was ousted from from the role on October 3rd. Several candidates have been nominated, but there is no clear front runner after failed bids by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Jim Jordan (R-OH).

The continuing resolution (CR) that kept the federal government level funded and prevented it from shutting down at the end of September is set to expire on November 17, 2023. Under federal law, the U.S. House may not pass any legislation, including the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, until there is a speaker. The U.S. budget deficit reportedly soared in Fiscal Year 2023, with a 23% increase over the prior fiscal year. This will likely further complicate Congress’ efforts to come to a federal spending deal before the funding runs out.

Join Our Advisory Council

The Senior Alliance currently has openings on our Advisory Council. Created by the Older Americans Act, the Advisory Council plays an important role in the development of our Multi-Year Plan and advocacy efforts.

The Advisory Council meets six times per year on the second Monday of meeting months. Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. at our office in the City of Wayne and last about 90 minutes. Typical agendas include updates on the agency, advocacy initiatives, programs, and input from members on our projects and programs.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a member of our Advisory Council please contact Amanda Sears at asears@thesenioralliance.org.

SEMCOG Vision 2050 Regional Transportation Plan Survey

Interested in helping shape the future of transportation in Southeast Michigan? The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, otherwise known as SEMCOG, is responsible for developing the region's long-range transportation plan. They are currently gathering community feedback through the survey found at the link below.

Vision 2050 - The Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan

Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan Annual Conference

The Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (4AM) will hold their annual conference on November 7th and 8th in Lansing. AAA's, advocates, elected officials, government agencies, and those connected to the aging network from around the state will gather to hear multiple speakers present on topics related to the theme: Advancing Aging.

Speakers and topics include: Michigan Medicaid Director Meghan Groen, Amy Gotwals from USAging, caregiving, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the impact of leadership on organizational culture, the unmet needs of older adults, the direct care workforce, the art of nurturing relationships and much more. Click here for the agenda.

Click here for more info on the conference or to register.

To learn more about 4AM and their work with The Senior Alliance along with other AAA's around the state, visit their website.

Advocacy Questions: Please contact Nikki Hartley, Government Relations and Outreach Specialist, with any advocacy or public policy questions via e-mail at nhartley@thesenioralliance.org.

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