Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara today announced that he has filed a federal records request under the Freedom of Information Act demanding answers from the VA on its decision to close the Schenectady Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

Since the closure was first announced, Assemblyman Santabarbara has taken a series of actions to raise concerns and push for answers, including contacting VA leadership, requesting a meeting to discuss the decision, and meeting with local officials and representatives from federal offices to address the impact on the community. He has also been working directly with veterans and families who rely on the clinic for care

A formal letter outlining these concerns was sent to the VA and has not yet received a response. A copy of that letter is attached.

He also launched a community petition to give residents a voice in the process. That petition is now circulating, with hundreds of people already signing on to oppose the closure and protect access to care for local veterans. The petition is available here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Angelo-Santabarbara/story/117446

The federal request seeks internal VA records explaining how the decision was made, what analysis was conducted, what impact it will have on patient access, and whether alternatives were seriously considered.

“For many veterans, this clinic is the closest and most reliable option for care,” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said. “Taking it away means longer drives, more barriers, and real consequences for people who served our country.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara said the request is about ensuring transparency and accountability.

“Veterans deserve clear answers about decisions that affect their care,” he said. “If this was a careful and well-thought-out decision, the VA should be able to show it.”

Santabarbara said he will continue working on behalf of veterans to reverse the decision and keep the clinic open, pointing to concerns raised by veterans and their families about increased travel distances, limited transportation options, and added strain on nearby VA facilities.

“This decision doesn’t reflect what veterans in our community are actually dealing with,” Santabarbara said. “I’m going to keep fighting to protect access to care here in our community.”