The Leopard Spot
Identity Theft – the problem contines
1. A lady had her purse taken from a restaurant because she hung her purse on the back of her chair. This is an ongoing problem because the bad guys are trying to get your purse whenever it is exposed not only for your cash but also for your identifiers.
2. Along these same lines, the bad guys are driving up to gas stations and stealing purses out of vehicles because they are left setting on the car seat while the woman is outside the car filling the gas tank.
3. Grocery stores are also an area where the bad guys are stealing pursues out of grocery carts.
4. Email scams- the latest
From: IRS
To: undisclosed recipients
Subject: Tax Refund
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $ 109.30. Please submit tax refund request and allow us 3 days in order to deliver it. To access the form for your tax refund, please click here:- “ they then want your social security number, etc”
Be vigilant David Leopard
Friday, October 26, 2007
Elder Justice Act- federal legislation
Elder Justice Act
On May 23, I attended a conference in Dallas entitled “Steps to Protect: Financial Exploitation and the Elderly”. The keynote speaker was Paul Greenwood, ESQ, head of the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit in San Diego.
We, as members of the National Elder Abuse Coalition, are trying to get the Elder Justice Act passed by Congress. (S.2010 & H.R. 4993).
Mr. Greenwood voiced several concerns.
“We need a combined law enforcement and public health approach to study, detect, treat, PROSECUTE and, most importantly, prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation….
The problem of elder abuse, neglect & exploitation has long been invisible and presents among the grave issues facing millions of American families….Thousands of cases of elder abuse go unaddressed each day…
Our Elder Justice bill tackles these crimes, and provides seniors the protections they need to live safely and securely.”
He also included important statistics about these issues:
Federal government spends $520 Million on programs combating violence against women.
Federal government spends $6.7 Billion on child abuse prevention efforts.
Federal government spends $153.5 Million on programs addressing issues of elder abuse, neglect & exploitation.
Between 1950 & 2000, the total population increased by 87%
Age 65+ - by 188%
Age 85+ - by 635%
By 2030- 65+ will triple to over 70 million
On May 23, I attended a conference in Dallas entitled “Steps to Protect: Financial Exploitation and the Elderly”. The keynote speaker was Paul Greenwood, ESQ, head of the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit in San Diego.
We, as members of the National Elder Abuse Coalition, are trying to get the Elder Justice Act passed by Congress. (S.2010 & H.R. 4993).
Mr. Greenwood voiced several concerns.
“We need a combined law enforcement and public health approach to study, detect, treat, PROSECUTE and, most importantly, prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation….
The problem of elder abuse, neglect & exploitation has long been invisible and presents among the grave issues facing millions of American families….Thousands of cases of elder abuse go unaddressed each day…
Our Elder Justice bill tackles these crimes, and provides seniors the protections they need to live safely and securely.”
He also included important statistics about these issues:
Federal government spends $520 Million on programs combating violence against women.
Federal government spends $6.7 Billion on child abuse prevention efforts.
Federal government spends $153.5 Million on programs addressing issues of elder abuse, neglect & exploitation.
Between 1950 & 2000, the total population increased by 87%
Age 65+ - by 188%
Age 85+ - by 635%
By 2030- 65+ will triple to over 70 million
Resolutions addressing Texas seniors
The Leopard Spot
The 11th Texas Silver Haired Legislature met last Fall and their top ten resolutions are as follows:
1. Ensure seniors are included in the recent and any future property tax reductions.
2. Cap the legal increase in valuation without approval of the voters to no more than 5%.
3. Establish a state-supported stem cell research program.
4. Authorize the Texas State Board of Insurance and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to regulate the Pharmacy Benefits Managers who do business in Texas.
5. Oppose legislative initiatives authorizing a School Voucher System.
6. Require as a condition of licensure, certification or re-certification of Health Care Professionals.
7. Provide full health insurance benefits to all education retirees and active school employees.
8. Fund the solvency necessary for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas pension fund to be able to provide for an annuity increase for all Texas education retirees.
9. Require all Health Care Facilities to require their workers to undergo a background investigation at least every three years or when they are hired.
10. Establish a Silver Alert notification system whereby law enforcement, the media and other entities be notified when an elderly person is reported missing.
By David Leopard
The 11th Texas Silver Haired Legislature met last Fall and their top ten resolutions are as follows:
1. Ensure seniors are included in the recent and any future property tax reductions.
2. Cap the legal increase in valuation without approval of the voters to no more than 5%.
3. Establish a state-supported stem cell research program.
4. Authorize the Texas State Board of Insurance and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to regulate the Pharmacy Benefits Managers who do business in Texas.
5. Oppose legislative initiatives authorizing a School Voucher System.
6. Require as a condition of licensure, certification or re-certification of Health Care Professionals.
7. Provide full health insurance benefits to all education retirees and active school employees.
8. Fund the solvency necessary for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas pension fund to be able to provide for an annuity increase for all Texas education retirees.
9. Require all Health Care Facilities to require their workers to undergo a background investigation at least every three years or when they are hired.
10. Establish a Silver Alert notification system whereby law enforcement, the media and other entities be notified when an elderly person is reported missing.
By David Leopard
Roadside assistance available in Texas
Roadside Assistance
DPS has a toll free number for motorists to contact for non-emergency roadside assistance - 1-800-525-5555, which is printed on the back of most driver licenses.
The toll-free line has been operated by DPS for several years for motorists to use when reporting non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. DPS then passes the information along to the appropriate local police agency or DPS office. However, in the event it is an emergency, we suggest you call 911.
Please be aware that the DPS does not send out a tow truck at the State's expense. We will either come to assist you or refer you to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. If a tow truck is ultimately dispatched, the motorist is responsible for any costs incurred. Some cities and agencies do have courtesy patrols and roadside trucks to provide non-towing services and they may be dispatched by the local agencies when appropriate.
Customers of participating wireless companies -- ALLTEL, Nextel, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless -- can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas, and receive roadside assistance for non-emergency situations.
Be safe
David Leopard
DPS has a toll free number for motorists to contact for non-emergency roadside assistance - 1-800-525-5555, which is printed on the back of most driver licenses.
The toll-free line has been operated by DPS for several years for motorists to use when reporting non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. DPS then passes the information along to the appropriate local police agency or DPS office. However, in the event it is an emergency, we suggest you call 911.
Please be aware that the DPS does not send out a tow truck at the State's expense. We will either come to assist you or refer you to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. If a tow truck is ultimately dispatched, the motorist is responsible for any costs incurred. Some cities and agencies do have courtesy patrols and roadside trucks to provide non-towing services and they may be dispatched by the local agencies when appropriate.
Customers of participating wireless companies -- ALLTEL, Nextel, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless -- can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas, and receive roadside assistance for non-emergency situations.
Be safe
David Leopard
Foods that can add years to your life
In the September- October Issue of “AARP The Magazine,” there were numerous sections of an article regarding all of us “living longer.” This information was from one of the sections I found especially interesting.
Foods that can add years to your life
Spirulina (blue-green algae)
Contains antioxidants, plenty of protein and omega fatty acids
Works as an ibuprofen-like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
Add one teaspoon or tablespoon of spirulina a day to a smoothie or yogurt.
Cranberries, blueberries, & blackberries
Contains many antioxidants
Has anti-inflammatory qualities
Eat a cup of berries a day.
Leafy greens ( such as kale or spinach)
They are super antioxidants
Protects against macular degeneration of the optic nerve (protects your eyesight).
Eat a cup of kale or one to two cups of spinach a day.
Almonds and walnuts
A fantastic source of omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E.
Eating nuts regularly tend to have a lowered risk of Parkinson’s and lower cholesterol.
Eat a quarter of a cup of nuts a day.
Flaxseed
Contains fiber and omega-3 fatty acids ( helps to clear plaque and bad fats from the cardiovascular system)
Fiber also protects against colon cancer.
Buy flaxseed ground and put one teaspoon to one tablespoon a day into everything from meatloaf to muffins.
Don’t forget to add these super foods into a diet rich with lean meat, fish and whole grains.
David Leopard
AARP Volunteer
Foods that can add years to your life
Spirulina (blue-green algae)
Contains antioxidants, plenty of protein and omega fatty acids
Works as an ibuprofen-like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
Add one teaspoon or tablespoon of spirulina a day to a smoothie or yogurt.
Cranberries, blueberries, & blackberries
Contains many antioxidants
Has anti-inflammatory qualities
Eat a cup of berries a day.
Leafy greens ( such as kale or spinach)
They are super antioxidants
Protects against macular degeneration of the optic nerve (protects your eyesight).
Eat a cup of kale or one to two cups of spinach a day.
Almonds and walnuts
A fantastic source of omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E.
Eating nuts regularly tend to have a lowered risk of Parkinson’s and lower cholesterol.
Eat a quarter of a cup of nuts a day.
Flaxseed
Contains fiber and omega-3 fatty acids ( helps to clear plaque and bad fats from the cardiovascular system)
Fiber also protects against colon cancer.
Buy flaxseed ground and put one teaspoon to one tablespoon a day into everything from meatloaf to muffins.
Don’t forget to add these super foods into a diet rich with lean meat, fish and whole grains.
David Leopard
AARP Volunteer
Social security needs to change
The Leopard Spot
In my last newsletter I mentioned I had attended The White House Conference on Aging and had listed some of the resolutions we had passed. I will now address one of those resolutions in further detail.
We need to make changes to Social Security (the following list describes what some of the changes we want Congress to consider).
Raise the cap on earnings subject to Social Security tax (or eliminate the cap altogether)
This will provide more Social Security funds
Expand Social Security to ALL workers (that includes our congressmen etc.)
This would provide more Social Security funds
Lower benefits to higher wage workers
This would provide more Social Security to those who need it
Invest 15% of Social Security fund assets in equities at assumed 6.5% inflation- adjusted return over 2006-2020
This would give everyone a better return for their money than they have been getting and would provide a bigger pot.
Accelerate the increase in retirement age (to 67)
This would add two years to when our “boomers” would be eligible for Social Security and would help keep it solvent longer
Tax Social Security like private pensions
Not popular but an option
Remember, these were just some ideas on how to keep Social Security solvent for a longer period of time since the first “Baby Boomers” started turning 60 this year at a rate of one person every 7.5 seconds (or 11,520 people per day).
Yours truly,
David Leopard
Identity Theft Presenter
The Aging of America Speaker
In my last newsletter I mentioned I had attended The White House Conference on Aging and had listed some of the resolutions we had passed. I will now address one of those resolutions in further detail.
We need to make changes to Social Security (the following list describes what some of the changes we want Congress to consider).
Raise the cap on earnings subject to Social Security tax (or eliminate the cap altogether)
This will provide more Social Security funds
Expand Social Security to ALL workers (that includes our congressmen etc.)
This would provide more Social Security funds
Lower benefits to higher wage workers
This would provide more Social Security to those who need it
Invest 15% of Social Security fund assets in equities at assumed 6.5% inflation- adjusted return over 2006-2020
This would give everyone a better return for their money than they have been getting and would provide a bigger pot.
Accelerate the increase in retirement age (to 67)
This would add two years to when our “boomers” would be eligible for Social Security and would help keep it solvent longer
Tax Social Security like private pensions
Not popular but an option
Remember, these were just some ideas on how to keep Social Security solvent for a longer period of time since the first “Baby Boomers” started turning 60 this year at a rate of one person every 7.5 seconds (or 11,520 people per day).
Yours truly,
David Leopard
Identity Theft Presenter
The Aging of America Speaker
Credit Card offers ( how to eliminate them)
The Leopard Spot
Most of us are being inundated by unsolicited credit card offers and would like to stop this from occurring. First, when you get unsolicited checks with your name on them, SHRED THEM. Then call (888) 5-OPTOUT or 888-567-8688 - toll free. You will reach, with just one call, the three major consumer reporting companies. Tell them to stop giving your information to companies that want to send you pre-approved credit offers. You are required to give them your social security number (in this case, that’s okay), name and address.
You can also have your name removed from many national direct mail lists by writing to the Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. Or for a $5.00 fee, you can do this online at www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html.
The stream of offers should slow within 30 to 90 days of your request.
David Leopard
Most of us are being inundated by unsolicited credit card offers and would like to stop this from occurring. First, when you get unsolicited checks with your name on them, SHRED THEM. Then call (888) 5-OPTOUT or 888-567-8688 - toll free. You will reach, with just one call, the three major consumer reporting companies. Tell them to stop giving your information to companies that want to send you pre-approved credit offers. You are required to give them your social security number (in this case, that’s okay), name and address.
You can also have your name removed from many national direct mail lists by writing to the Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. Or for a $5.00 fee, you can do this online at www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html.
The stream of offers should slow within 30 to 90 days of your request.
David Leopard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
