“The Comptroller’s findings regarding the safety of these group homes during the pandemic are deeply concerning, and we need to make sure this inadequate emergency management does not happen again in the future.

Last year, I introduced my group home state task force bill which was unfortunately vetoed even after passing both houses with overwhelming support. I introduced this important legislation to help address issues raised by group home residents during the pandemic and improve living conditions and communication with residents and their families.

Residents of group homes, who often have disabilities, deserve the right to weigh in on how they are being treated. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a stark failure in communication between residents and the institutions tasked with supporting them. I am hopeful that this report will bring increased attention to the needs of group home residents. I have reintroduced this important bill and I’m eager to get it passed in the legislature again this year. I hope the Comptroller’s findings will spur the governor into action to sign my group home task force bill into law.” (A00159)