As we dive into 2012, politics and policy are at the top of many Americans minds. Indeed, Republicans and Democrats alike are seeking votes from senior citizens. Seniors are more consistent and reliable as voters, and their population is surging. Compared to 2008, they now make up at least 23% of the voting population as of 2010--a 16% increase.

The older voters look at past actions rather than words, and are understandably concerned about Medicare and Social Security policies changes. As elder abuse grows, this aging population want the federal government to take action. More than 1 in 10 seniors will suffer as a victim of elder abuse, which will amount to almost $3 billion in one year.

Before their holiday break, Congress passed a huge spending bill for the rest of the fiscal year. But for a second year, Congress neglected funding the only comprehensive federal abuse prevention law, the Elder Justice Act. I'm not sure whether this was out of sheer stupidity or forgetfulness. Under two years ago, Congress enacted the Elder Justice Act, which indicated some recognition of the alarming proliferation of elder abuse in this country. While the law authorized the funds, a second bill needs to be passed to put the law into action. President Obama requested Congress to provide $21.5 million in startup funds for the Elder Justice Act in his 2012 budget. Yet, Congress ignored Obama's request.

A celebrity victim, Mickey Rooney, testified before Congress about his personal experiences with elder abuse. While his testimony attracted the media, his story seemed to fall on deaf ears of Congress to provide the needed funding.

A bipartisan, 3000 member Elder Justice Coalition plans to make funding for elder abuse prevention a political imperative to Congress and Presidential candidates. Funding for the Elder Justice Act is critical to promote jobs and protect senior citizens, while preventing wasteful spending by Medicaid and Medicare. Roughly $200 million is needed to fund elder justice, which is about 5% of what was recovered in 2010 by federal government in Medicare/Medicaid fraud and waste. 

Please do your part and let your Congressperson know that this is an important issue. It's about the welfare of your parents and parents' parents.