Klobuchar bill that protects seniors passes key test

WILLMAR — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s legislation to protect seniors from neglect or abuse by court-appointed guardians passed the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday.

The Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act would help states improve their oversight of guardians and conservators of seniors and vulnerable adults. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, cosponsored the bill with Klobuchar, a Democrat.

The legislation was approved with a 15-3 vote and will be referred to the full Senate for approval.

The goal is to protect people from being neglected or financially exploited by their guardians.

The issue will grow in importance as the population of seniors doubles in the coming decades, Klobuchar said during the committee hearing on Thursday.

“I know every state has incidences of people getting ripped off millions of dollars when their loved one is supposed to be under the care of a guardian,” she said. “Most guardians do amazing work, good work, but again you have a situation where you have a very few that are causing a lot of harm.”

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Klobuchar bill that protects seniors passes key test

Never Give Up

Lifelong NY resident, WWII vet, teacher, worker, inventor...

On a visit to daughter in Ct. (2005) Dan Gross became embroiled in the Ct. Probate System where the judge, denied him his constitutional rights, although he begged for them.

The judge went on to give Dan to a conservator who had him locked up in a nursing home, even though it was not the highest level for him, had him forced medications, refused him his own doctors, his own choice of lawyers, prevented him from seeking aid of any advocacy groups, denied his right to visitors, family, stripped him of all assets, put his house up for sale - all his worldly possessions disappeared.

How can this happen?

In 2006, due to the efforts of some incredible high-minded people, they fought for, and won the freedom of this 86 year old man.

Connecticut Conservatorship

In 2007 the legislators changed the law to protect the rights of others. 2007 - Recent Developments in
Connecticut Conservatorship Law

Those we have the utmost gratitude for are Atty. Veronica Halpern (Htfd. Legal Aid), Rick Green of the Hartford Courant, Atty.John Peters, who worked pro-bono to free Dan, Atty. Marilyn Denney (Htfd. Legal Aid), Eric Zager of Fox 61 News, Royal Stark of Quinnipiac Law School and the students who helped, Tom Berrant of CTLegal Project and others, Dan's friends, and finally the outstanding judge of Superior Court, Judge Gormley, who restored justice and freedom to Dan Gross.

With Law, Justice is Conserved

Reform, Not Now, Not Ever

The Scandal of Connecticut's Probate Courts

We thank God above all and for putting these wonderful people in our path to overcome this perverse system that preys on the vulnerable. Symbol of Hope

Dan said this was always about the money--he was right.

He also said, "Never give up"--we won't! Petition by Dee King

May 2009 ~ Guardianship abuse victims recognized during Elder Abuse Prevention Month