Former Minnesota State Senator and Attorney General Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III will lead a section of a new federal watchdog group aimed at consumer protection. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau grew out of the financial reforms that Congress passed in the wake of the subprime lending scandal. Humphrey, son and namesake of the late Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, Jr., will oversee the section of the bureau that helps senior citizens avoid exploitation, including money scams, and to help them with financial planning. It is called the Office for Older Americans. In addition to elective office, Humphrey has a long relationship with the AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons.
The annoucement of Humphrey's appointment brought rounds of praise from Minnesota's Congressional delegation.
"I'm happy to congratulate Skip Humphrey on his new post making sure our nation's seniors have the tools they need to invest wisely and avoid scams," said Sen. Al Franken. "His advocacy for Minnesota's consumers in his time as attorney general and his history of hard work on behalf of our nation's seniors have given him the skills necessary to run this important new office."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar was equally enthusiastic. "From standing up for Minnesota families as attorney general to working on behalf seniors at AARP, Skip has devoted his life to protecting consumers," Klobuchar said. "I am confident that the experience and dedication to justice he brings will enable him to serve America's seniors well in this new role."
