FUNERAL INDUSTRY SPOKESPERSONS CITE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AND BENEFITS OF FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENTS AT SENIOR CITIZENS' LAW DAY

Albany, NY -- November 2 -- "Consumers who wish to prepay their funerals can count on strong safeguards for their funds thanks to a new law that was enacted last year," according to Randy L. McCullough speaking today at Senior Citizens' Law Day. McCullough, director of government affairs at the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), explained how the new law adds additional protections to existing State and Federal statutes for consumers who prearrange their funerals. NYSFDA was instrumental in getting the law enacted.

Ellen McNulty, president of McNulty Funeral Home in Green Island , New York , discussed the benefits of funeral prearrangement, and the consumer's checklist for prefunding a funeral.

Inaugurated in 1994, Senior Citizens' Law Day is sponsored by the Albany Law School with additional support from organizations and businesses that provide services to the senior population. Over 400 people attended the day-long program which featured 26 informational seminars addressing topics such as "Aging in Place," "Consumer Fraud," "Health Insurance," "Medicare," "Retirement Planning," "Grandparents as Caregivers," and other subjects of interest to seniors.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining its Website at " www.nysfda.org ," NYSFDA also distributes "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column, publishes the Funeral Consumers Information Series, and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.