The Tennessee Federation for the Aging recently honored Senator Richard Briggs and Representative Dale Carr at an Annual Awards luncheon at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee on September 10, 2019. The event recognized individuals who have made significant impacts to the lives of Older Tennesseans. Senator Briggs and Representative Carr received “Legislative Aging Champion Awards”, which recognizes outstanding contributions of State Legislators who have made an observable or measurable impact on the quality of life of Older Tennesseans. Both of these individuals have made significant contributions to the efforts of elder abuse awareness and prevention in Tennessee, protecting older and vulnerable Tennesseans.
Senator Richard Briggs, a strong supporter and advocate for Older Tennesseans, was honored for his recent sponsorship of Senate Bill 0199, which became Public Chapter No. 1356, creating the Elder Abuse Task Force. The Elder Abuse Task Force is required to assess the current status of elders and other vulnerable adults covered by the Tennessee Adult Protection Act related to financial exploitation; examine the existing barriers, services and resources addressing the need of these elder persons and vulnerable adults, and develop recommendations to address problems associated with the financial exploitation of these elder and vulnerable persons. Senator Briggs’ action has advanced the discussion of elder abuse prevention in Tennessee, and will help in bringing solutions to helping Older Tennesseans and vulnerable adults.
Representative Carr has demonstrated a keen interest in quality of life for seniors across the State of Tennessee. He has been an effective advocate for some of the vulnerable members of our society – seniors at risk for elder abuse. Representative Carr served on the State of Tennessee Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force. From the Task Force recommendations, he helped draft legislation to combat and reduce many types of abuse, including financial fraud and exploitation as well as physical abuse. Seniors are too often left to suffer these crimes in silence, but Representative Carr has helped to give these vulnerable Tennesseans a voice to be heard. He is taking action to expose the abusers and STOP Elder Abuse.
