BY AMY GEIER
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS -- Stronger penalties are needed to protect senior citizens from consumer fraud, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Taft said Wednesday as he announced his plans to support older Ohioans.
There currently is no special punishment that seeks to protect senior citizens specifically from fraud, said Taft press secretary Brett Buerck.
Mr. Taft also said he would work with the legislature and the Ohio Consumers' Counsel to establish safeguards to protect seniors amidst electric deregulation.
Mr. Taft proposed expanding the Medicaid-funded program called Passport, which provides an alternative to nursing homes by helping seniors live independently in their own homes. Mr. Taft said his administration would try to increase membership from the current 22,000 to 30,000.
He also said he would increase funding for programs that provide temporary care to Alzheimer's patients to allow caregivers a break. The Republican said he would work with Congress to change the Medicare reimbursement formula to help keep health insurers in all markets.
Mr. Taft also proposed expanding the property tax exemption that lowers property taxes for seniors and people with disabilities. Alan Melamed, campaign manager for Mr. Taft's opponent, Democrat Lee Fisher, attacked the plan.
"It's incredible to see Bob Taft attempting to suggest he's on the side of seniors," he said. "To suggest that he can be relied on to protect senior insurance is like letting a fox in the hen house."
On Tuesday, Mr. Fisher proposed a $550 million property tax cut that would help seniors. "Bob Taft proposes only $9 million in relief -- that's less than 2 percent of what we're proposing," Mr. Melamed said.
