There was an article in last weeks Post-Bulletin from Rochester, MN about the state trying to make a decision about how to handle payment to funeral homes for indigents. The state is discussing the possibility of cremating these folks instead of the current practice of burial.

It is a simple economic problem. Either pay 2-3 thousand dollars to bury these unfortunate individuals or pay less then one thousand dollars to do cremate them and scatter the ashes. There are mixed sentiments coming from the industry. Many believe that the indigents deserve the same consideration and dignity that comes with a full funeral service. This is absurd. some also make the argument that some family may show up at some future time and be dismayed at the industry for doing something that they did not want. Well, I suppose that could happen in rare cases, but where have these friends and family been while the deceased was becoming indigent. Once again an argument that does not hold water.

The article even quoted one funeral director stating that cremation costs were nearly $1,800. If that is so everyone in Minnesota should leave immediately. Immediate cremation should never cost more then $1,000. There is no need to do many of the things the some funeral directors deem to be essential.

The Minnesota legislature should pass a law that pays for the cremation of any and all indigents. They should add to the law that the funeral industry will be held harmless from potential litigators claiming that they acted without the permission of family members. Of course, the home will need to perform some minimal diligence to assure that this person is in fact without benefactors. Common sense will hopefully lead Minnesota legislators to a reasonable conclusion. Industry lobbyists will attempt to make sure that common sense does not prevail.