ATLANTA – State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) recently launched a senior banking and credit union survey with the goal of understanding the banking experiences, needs and barriers faced by older adults in Georgia.
“Our seniors have worked, raised families, built communities and invested in Georgia for generations,” said Rep. Schofield. “They deserve financial services that are accessible, respectful and responsive to the realities of their lives. We cannot build effective solutions based on assumptions. We have to listen. This survey gives seniors a seat at the table, helps us identify where the gaps exist and where stronger solutions are needed.”
Reps. Schofield and Burnough note that the survey seeks to explore certain aspects of older adults’ banking experiences, including access to banking services, transportation, in-person services, customer service, privacy, accessibility and trust. They add that the survey also examines online and mobile banking, certain technology barriers, scams and financial fraud.
The representatives add that the survey also asks whether transportation or technology has made accessing banking services more difficult and what services could make access easier. They encourage participants to identify needs such as financial counseling, bill payment assistance, user-friendly digital platforms, fraud and scam education, direct-deposit assistance, mobile banking education, credit counseling and notary services.
“Financial access is about more than having a bank account,” said Rep. Burnough. “It is about independence, security, trust and being able to manage your money without unnecessary barriers. We want seniors to tell us about the challenges they encounter so that we can better understand what services are needed and how we can strengthen the systems that serve them.”
The representatives further note that survey results would help identify patterns in banking access for older adults and support conversations with financial institutions, credit unions, senior housing providers, community organizations and other stakeholders. Reps. Schofield and Burnough also note that the survey seeks to give older adults an opportunity to identify their biggest banking challenge, and what would make banking easier.
Reps. Schofield and Burnough encourage seniors, caregivers, senior living communities, community centers, faith organizations and organizations serving older adults to participate in and share the survey.
These representatives include a link to the financial survey, which can be found here.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77 which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
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