ST. PAUL – Today, legislation authored by Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins) targeted at protecting the safety of the thousands of Minnesotans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or a traumatic brain injury passed 129 to 0 on the Minnesota House floor. The bill (HF805/SF857) has the potential to bring peace of mind to families and caretakers of vulnerable adults.
The legislation provides state support for a working group to study establishing a Silver Alert System, and report back to the legislature. A ‘Silver Alert’ is similar to an Amber Alert, and would be used to notify law enforcement and the general public of a missing vulnerable adult.
“Like many Minnesota families, ours struggled with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's who was still living in their home," explained Rep. Youakim. "With the state's demographic shift, we will have more and more families dealing with loved ones aging in place. I want to make sure that we have their backs.”
The legislation has passed the Minnesota Senate, and now goes to Governor Mark Dayton for signing.
Rep. Youakim encourages community members to contact her on any legislative issue. She can be reached by email at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn or phone at 651-296-9889.
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PHOTO ATTACHED: Rep. Youakim (DFL – Hopkins) explains the “Silver Alert bill” on the Minnesota House floor Tuesday, May 12, 2015. Photo by Paul Battaglia.
