A US House Panel will propose National Cemetery Legislation
The US House subcommittee( Panel) meeting in response to the Burr Oak Cemetery Scandal stated that they will propose National Cemetery Legislation. The subcommittee met in the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.
Here is a brief summary of what happened.
1. The Comptroller of the State of Illinois Dan Hynes stated that cemetery law is inconsistent in the State. Right now the Comptroller only regulates financial matters(including pre need contracts)
2. Joshua Slocum the head of The (FCA) Funeral Consumers Alliance stated that Cemetery Regulation is Inconsistent across the United States of America.. and that there needs to be clear Rules. Slocum and the FCA are clear cut advocates for cemetery and Funeral Reform reform.
3. US Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Stated that cemetery plots should be deeded. That would eliminate future Burr Oak Cemetery Scandals. This is an excellent proposal.
4. The Reverend Jesse Jackson stated that cemeteries should provide online plot information.
The United States Congress Congressional Subcommittee Was Formed By Congressman Bobby Rush.
Opposition is expected from SCI (Service Corporation International ) and STEI (Stewart Enterprises International) The two largest funeral corporations that hold also own a significant number of cemeteries.
Generally different regulations exist for religious, private and city cemeteries.
Odds are legislation would lower the average cost of a funeral.
Funeral Industry|Funeral Blog by Your Funeral Guy.
Source Chicago Tribune
MORE INFO:
7.27.09 Feds are holding a Burr Oak Cemetery Scandal Hearing. A congressional subcommittee set up by Congressman Bobby Rush is meeting at the Dirkson Federal Building in Chicago.
