Assemblyman Chris Tague (R-Schoharie) today wrote to newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to make the nursing home cover-up by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his administration the singular top priority.

Tague was passionate about singling out an investigation into the governor on two fronts: to seek answers on behalf of the tens-of-thousands of victims and their families who were impacted by Gov. Cuomo’s decisions; and because those with investigatory and prosecutorial powers in New York have, so far, decided not to subpoena anyone in the Cuomo administration, including Dr. Howard Zucker, the state’s health commissioner, or initiate an investigation into the pattern of documented cover-ups that has developed.

“Transparency and accountability start with knowing who knew what, and when, and why certain decisions were made when they were,” said Tague. “The governor’s decisions proved deadly. He and his aides repeatedly lied to New Yorkers.

Tague wrote to Garland, “Those in New York State with the power to investigate these alleged crimes, issue subpoenas, ask questions, and deliver justice for the tens-of-thousands of victims and their families are either incapable or refuse to do so. Both are unacceptable.

“In the interest and pursuit of justice, 19 million New Yorkers – and Americans across our great country – are counting on you to initiative an impartial, independent investigation that focuses strictly on the facts. We are counting on you to exercise the full authority of your office to do what leadership in New York is too politically weak to do: to dig for answers, to deliver justice, to seek closure, to hold those responsible for this accountable for their actions.”

During the outbreak of COVID-19 last year, Gov. Cuomo quietly tucked in the state budget a provision that would give nursing homes, hospitals and other care facilities liability protection from COVID-19 lawsuits. His largest campaign contributor happens to be the Greater New York Hospital Association.

Tague wrote to Garland, “A good starting point on this angle for you and your Department of Justice team: FOIL all emails and correspondence between the Cuomo administration and lobbyists in the health care industry a full week prior to Gov. Cuomo signing the shield for health care providers into law.”

Tague also documented for Garland the reported admission of criminal obstruction of justice by the Cuomo administration.

“In a February 10 secret Zoom meeting between the governor’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, and a handful of Majority lawmakers, it was reported Ms. DeRosa admitted to criminal obstruction of justice.  Ms. DeRosa stated that the Cuomo administration “froze” amid an active federal probe into the nursing home scandal in New York out of fear that the true nursing home death numbers would be used against them in a federal lawsuit.”

The letter is attached.