Letters to the Editor Opposing SB 512 &
513
Sample Letter #1
Michigan cemeteries support strong enforcement of consumer protection
laws already in place. This includes complying with strict annual
accounting and auditing regulations that require every cemetery to
submit detailed audit reports to the state Department of Consumer
& Industry Services every year. It also means setting aside - or "trusting"
- 130 percent of the cost of any cemetery merchandise that is sold
to customers who choose to plan ahead and take advantage of "pre-need"
sales. Michigan's laws already protect us from scam artists who might
try to take advantage of grieving loved ones. We don't need more laws
when the ones we have are already working. 106 words
Sample Letter #2
The best consumer protection you can ask for when it comes to death
and dying is the ability to pay for your funeral ahead of time. That
way you know exactly what you're getting, and you're paying for it
at today's prices. You're also protecting your family from making
last-minute decisions driven by grief and time. Anyone who buys cemetery
merchandise as part of a "pre-need" contract should know that state
law requires cemeteries to set aside 130 percent of the cost of that
merchandise so there's enough money to buy it after you die. State
law also requires cemeteries to file detailed auditing reports with
the state every year - reports that are available to the public. Michigan's
cemetery laws offer strong protection for consumers. 115 words
Sample Letter #3
Michigan cemeteries are under attack by some legislators who just
can't seem to leave well enough alone. These are the same legislators
who are listening to the siren song of the funeral home industry -
which can't wait to eliminate the competition. How strict are Michigan
laws already? Michigan cemeteries are already required by law: to
be licensed by the state to sell land, merchandise and services in
advance (known in the industry as "pre-need"); to set aside 15 percent
of each lot sale for "perpetual care" of the cemetery; to "trust"
- or set aside - 130 percent of the cost of any "pre-need" sales of
cemetery merchandise; and, finally, to submit detailed auditing reports
- available to the public -to the state every year. I drive by Michigan
cemeteries every day. They're not going anywhere, and state law soundly
regulates their business practices. Let's leave them alone. 165 words
|
|
|
