Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and Town of Rotterdam Supervisor John Polimeni met today with representatives from Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices to address the proposed closure of the Schenectady VA Clinic in Rotterdam – a critical healthcare access point for veterans across the Capital Region.

The meeting comes amid growing concern from veterans, families, and local leaders about the impact the closure would have on access to care. Santabarbara and Polimeni emphasized that the facility plays a vital role in delivering primary care, mental health services, and specialized treatment to thousands of veterans in Schenectady County and surrounding communities.

Assemblyman Santabarbara, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve and is a long-time advocate for the veteran community, underscored both the urgency of the situation and the need for federal intervention.

“This decision ignores the reality veterans face every day. Not everyone can just drive farther or navigate a larger system miles away. For many, this clinic is what makes care possible in the first place. Closing it doesn’t just shift services—it creates new obstacles, delays treatment, and puts real people at risk of falling through the cracks. That’s not how we should be treating those who served.”

During the meeting, Santabarbara and Polimeni presented concerns raised by local veterans and community members, highlighting the real-world consequences that would follow a closure – including longer travel times, delayed care, and increased strain on already burdened VA facilities.

“This decision was made without listening to the veterans who rely on this clinic. The Schenectady VA clinic is a lifeline for people who need care close to home, and taking it away will make it harder for too many to get the services they depend on. It’s the wrong decision, and it must be reversed.”

Supervisor Polimeni emphasized the local impact of the clinic and the importance of maintaining access to care close to home.

“The Rotterdam VA Clinic is more than just a healthcare facility – it’s a lifeline for our veterans,” said Supervisor Polimeni. “For many, especially seniors and those without reliable transportation, this clinic provides accessible, trusted care close to home. We cannot allow this closure to move forward. Our veterans deserve better, and we will continue fighting to keep this clinic open.”

Both leaders emphasized that community engagement remains essential in the effort to reverse the decision. Residents are encouraged to contact federal representatives and support ongoing advocacy efforts to keep the clinic open.

“By working together – with our federal partners, local leaders, and the community – we can ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they rely on,” Polimeni said.