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Throughout my time as State Representative I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting so many of our southwest Michigan senior citizens. I have spent a lot of time getting to know the issues that matter most to these citizens and I have taken them to heart. In fact, each year, I sponsor 'Older Michiganian's Day' and welcome our state's seniors to our state capitol to meet with legislators and elected officials.
One of the issues facing older Michiganians today is the rising cost of health care. I have worked tirelessly to combat Medicaid fraud which is costing our state as much as $900 million annually. Putting an end to this kind of abuse will slow the skyrocketing cost of health care, help save taxpayers millions of dollars and help get Michigan's spending problem under control.
I have gone after those who take advantage of senior citizens physically, emotionally or financially or by neglect by creating more stringent penalties on such crimes. We must not allow the struggling economy create an opportunity for those who would take advantage of Michigan's vulnerable residents.
