Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie) is continuing to call for an independent investigation into the handling of nursing homes by the state Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic, following thousands of deaths within them after a Health Department mandate issued March 25th forced nursing homes to intake COVID-19 patients. Minority state legislators held a forum today to discuss these nursing home deaths and listened to the testimony of several New Yorkers who lost loved ones in nursing homes during the pandemic.

“We will not rest or stop the calls for an independent investigation until the families that had their loved ones taken from them get the answers and closure they deserve,” said Tague. “This will only be possible by conducting a fully independent and nonpartisan investigation into what led to these deaths, because it is evident that the governor wants to sweep this tragedy under the rug. When thousands of New Yorkers lose their lives, the least we can do is give their loved ones answers as to why they’ll never see their family members again. The testimony of those who spoke today was heartbreaking, and to let them go without closure would be inhuman. As I’ve said many times, this isn’t about political blame, this is about making sure we never have to endure loss like this again.”