This week the State Assembly passed eight bills that were proposed by the bipartisan Speaker’s Task Force on Elder Services. Rep. Doyle served as the Vice-Chair of the Task Force, and had the following to say:
“The task force on Elder Services set out to identify ways to improve the quality of life for Wisconsin’s senior population. While we did not find a silver bullet, we found several great proposals that will move the ball forward. It was a privilege to have so many folks speak with us about what needs to change to help people remain safe and independent in their own homes for longer.
Wisconsin is aging. In fact, the fastest growing age range in Wisconsin is those 65 and older. With that in mind, it’s important we ensure our aging population has the resources and services they need, and that we do what we can to prevent financial fraud committed against our elderly.
We put forth bills to increase our community paramedics – EMTs who focus on preventative rather than reactive care. We put forth bills that take away tools commonly used by fraudsters, and give our financial institutions more power to stop fraud in its tracks. And we passed bills that allow for creative staffing solutions in our Aging and Disability Resource Centers to ensure everyone receives the care and services they deserve and are entitled to. This last proposal was inspired by the incredible work of the La Crosse County ADRC. And most importantly, all these bills work to combat barriers to independence.
It is important for folks to feel comfortable in their independence, and that starts with understanding the primary barriers older adults face. I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve done to get these bipartisan proposals through the Assembly, and I look forward to seeing them pass in the Senate and get signed into law.”
· AB 968 – Relating to: virtual currency kiosks.
· AB 969 – Relating to: the drug repository program.
· AB 970 – Relating grants for community emergency medical services, grants for falls prevention awareness and initiatives, and making an appropriation.
· AB 971 – Relating to: tuition and materials reimbursement for community paramedics and community emergency medical services practitioners.
· AB 972 – Relating to: financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
· AB 973 – Relating to: grants for economic support specialists and making an appropriation.
· AB 1001 – Relating to: funding for grants for community emergency medical services and falls prevention initiatives and making an appropriation.
· AB 1002 – Relating to: funding for grants for economic support specialists and making an appropriation.
