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4 <br /> Dear <br /> Attached is a resolution underscoring the need to plan and implement the upcoming <br /> federal direct deposit mandate, effective January 1, 1999. This will affect people receiving <br /> checks from the U.S. Treasury, inc'uding social security. Many people, especially the <br /> poor, elderly, illiterate, and disabled will have a great deal of difficulty functioning under <br /> the new system. In addition, many individuals do not have an account, and may be <br /> assigned a bank whose location may not be appropriate. Account access is a concern with <br /> its increased fraud and victimization implications. <br /> We recommend that a task force be convened immediately to plan an educational <br /> campaign and implementation of the disbursement of direct deposit funds. The emphasis <br /> should be on choice of banks. In addition,we urge that the baYiking community begin <br /> offering seniors free accounts to encourage them to have direct deposit on an ongoing <br /> basis before January 1999. In addition to the task force, we recommend that an <br /> educational corps of volunteers be organized and trained based on the Seniors' Health <br /> Insurance and Information Program(SBM)model. We also suggest that North Carolina <br /> recommend similar programs for other states, all of which have programs similar to <br /> SHIIP. <br /> Since the implementation process has not been finalized and decisions have not been <br /> made, it is especially important to have representation and education by those who are in <br /> the populations that will be the most greatly impacted. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Chair, Orange County <br /> Board of County Commissioners <br />