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Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff |
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Federal Lawmakers Want to Propose Cemetery Laws
Produced by Susie An on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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AP/ File |
As Cook County sheriffs investigate two suburban cemeteries, federal lawmakers say they'll propose legislation for more cemetery oversight.
Relatives of people buried in Burr Oak Cemetery in south suburban Alsip testified before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Committee Chair U.S. Representative Bobby Rush, whose district includes Alsip, called the hearing to consider federal involvement in the matter. Graveyard workers allegedly dug up bodies at Burr Oak and resold the burial plots. And a second cemetery in Glenwood is under investigation for allegations of a similar scheme.
Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes and the head of the national Funeral Consumers Alliance told committee members that cemetery laws are inconsistent and lacking. Committee member Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. of Chicago recommended deeding grave sites to families.
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Peter, New York // Tuesday, July 28, 2009 @ 11:46 AM
"Committee member Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. of Chicago recommended deeding grave sites to families. " ... Deeded graves? What an awful suggestion. Does he realize the abuse and fraud that persons will place in action by selling and reselling graves. (I hope that was a poor choice of words.) Otherwise its a scandal times two. Imagine the locall funeral home buying up the real estate then reselling it at outrageous profits. Fraud, Abuse, Tax implications. Clearly he's speaking w/o any industry knowledge.
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