Statement from Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville)

“The families of the over 6,200 people who lost their lives in nursing homes across New York State during the COVID-19 crisis deserve answers and a fair and unbiased investigation to find out what really happened that led to these tragic deaths.” 

“I appreciate the work of the state Health Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor, but this report should not be the final word on this subject. Given the magnitude of deaths during this terrible crisis, the families need the truth about what happened and some degree of closure over the loss of their loved ones and that can only be achieved through complete and total transparency.”

“That means a thorough investigation by healthcare professionals appointed to a commission in a bipartisan way to work together in a non-partisan effort and then report the results to the public, media, legislature and Governor, as I have previously called for. This should be done in concert with legislative hearings by the Senate and Assembly. Anything other than that will surely fail the test of total transparency and forever be tainted.”

“If the Governor and Health Commissioner are so confident of the findings in their internal report, then they should be eager for an independent investigation to examine this and welcome the opportunity for more eyes on this issue, right?”