Georgia legislators focusing more on elder abuse

ATLANTA | When 300 retirees from across the state made the early morning bus rides to the Capitol to talk to legislators last week, Bruce Fletcher was among the 35 coming from Augusta.

As a member of the local Alzheimer’s Association board, he wanted to fight the hallway crowds to meet face to face with local lawmakers like Rep. Barbara Sims, R-Augusta, to ask for their support of senior-citizens’ issues this legislative session. They were recognizable by their purple T-shirts and stickers saying “4 Seniors.”

“We think it’s important to be here and let them see us,” Fletcher said.

From all observers, the reception at the Capitol is warm now compared to the recent past, partly due to the graying of the Baby Boom, improved longevity and the rise of women in leadership.

“When I was first in the House years ago, laws were more strict for animal abuse than for elder abuse,” said Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford. “I used to say ‘In Georgia it’s okay to kick your granny but not your dog.’ ”


Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2013-03-02/story/georgia-legislators-focusing-more-elder-abuse#ixzz2MX79Z9IB

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Georgia legislators focusing more on elder abuse