While the Cuomo administration contends the state’s guidance had no impact on the rate of COVID infections in these facilities, data suggests otherwise, and to date, the Legislature has consistently failed to take any meaningful steps to fully investigate the state’s handling of the COVID crisis in these facilities. While the governor arrogantly asked, ‘Who Cares?’ when news broke that his administration had significantly undercounted deaths in these facilities, event attendees made it clear that they care very much about the legacies of these New Yorkers as they reaffirmed their commitment to pushing for answers for grieving families.
Serino and colleagues penned a letter to NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, joining advocacy group Voices for Seniors, in urging him to leverage his power to issue a ‘referral’ to the Attorney General that would allow them to commence a more thorough investigation into state actions.
“For too many New York families, March 25th is a day that forever changed their lives,” said Senator Serino, Ranking Member of the State Senate’s Aging Committee. “We pause today to honor the legacies of the 15000+ nursing home and residential healthcare facility residents who were lost to COVID-19. These residents were so much more than numbers on a state spreadsheet. These were real people, with real lives, whose deaths should not be in vain. It is in their memory that we continue the fight for justice, and for better policies to ensure that no one else ever has to suffer the way these families have. It is our hope that this day will serve as a permanent reminder of the need to always protect our most vulnerable.”
“One year ago, Governor Cuomo gave the green light to the deadly directive that would ultimately cost thousands of our seniors in nursing homes their lives,” said Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt. “We are here today to honor the memory of those who were lost, to show our continued support for their loved ones who demand answers, and to promise all New Yorkers that we will continue to fight until Governor Cuomo and his administration are held accountable for their actions.”