 The state legislative session begins later this month and today two senators put their focus on putting an end to abuse and neglect of elderly by caregivers. In January, state officials said it will take at least six months to clear a massive backlog of abuse compliance at senior care facilities around the state. State senators Kerry Roode of Bruise Point and Karen Housley of St. Mary's Point held a listening session at Central Lakes College in Brainerd today to hear stories from those affected. Roode and Housley both serve on the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee with Housley the Chairwoman. She says it's a high priority for this legislative session to implement the use of cameras in living spaces and notify families if their loved one is involved in a report of abuse, neglect or assault. This is my mission and I will stay on all the state agencies. I will stay on the facilities and I will work with the family members and I will make sure that everything that that that we need to get done will get done this session. From the cameras we'll have some some policy work legislation that will make sense. So it is it is I am on this and it is my top priority this session is to protect our vulnerable adults. The Minnesota Department of Human Services took over 2,000 cases dating back years that have never been investigated due to staff shortages and outdated technology. They hope to resolve them in 6 to 12 months. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.