Unes legislation to protect seniors from abuse signed by Governor

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) aimed at protecting senior citizens and other adults from financial abuse and exploitation was signed into law on Wednesday morning by Governor Bruce Rauner.  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 in May after 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 legislation 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. Read more.