Miller Backs Proposed Cemetery Reforms

From the Office of State Representative David E. Miller                                                      Miller Backs Proposed Cemetery Reforms   SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. David E. Miller (D-Lansing), issued the following statement following a press conference on Tuesday regarding proposed cemetery reforms in response to the recent atrocities involving Burr Oak Cemetery, where employees of the facility were accused of digging up and discarding human remains in order to resell graves:    "What recently took place at Burr Oak Cemetery is appalling.  People entrust cemeteries and their staff with the final care of their loved ones and to exploit people at such a critical time is inexcusable.    "Today we took the initial steps in exploring what we can do as lawmakers to prevent such a terrible thing from happening in the future.  I support proposals for the continuation of a task force that is already meeting to further explore what needs to be done in the industry to correct this and other problems that may be discovered in regards to how funerals and those responsible for burials are meeting their obligations.  I also support holding public hearings on the issue to help determine the magnitude of the problem on a local and statewide level.   "In addition, I believe that there needs to be further regulation and oversight of this industry which may include licensure of all cemeteries and their staff who sell cemetery plots and other goods; more detailed recording of records of maps which would be filed with the county recorder of deeds; a consumer bill of rights to be provided to all consumers detailing those rights under law.    "As a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), I look forward to reviewing the forthcoming legislation and working with my colleagues to provide the criteria and recommendations for enforcement.   "In addition, in 2003 I co-sponsored Public Act 93-0339 which created the offense of dismembering a human body, which may become a chargeable offense in this matter.   "It is imperative that we do what is in the best interest of the people of the state of Illinois, especially those who are suffering with the displacement of their loved ones at Burr Oak.  Our goal is to help ensure that people are able to have confidence and peace of mind when entrusting their loved one to the care of a cemetery and to deter future instances of the disgraceful acts that took place at Burr Oak from happening again."   ### FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dolton: 708-201-8000 Springfield: 217-782-8087       Email Marketing by Citizens for David E Miller | 1350 E Sibley Blvd | Dolton | IL | 60419