“Every day, the Cuomo administration continues to cover-up, double-down, and refuses to take accountability for its mismanagement of nursing homes during the pandemic.The governor adamantly refuses to apologize for his decisions, including the fateful March 25^th directive, which contributed to the death of thousands of New Yorkers and pain for their loved ones, and the withholding of data regarding these deaths, for fear of political fallout or federal investigation. Whenever the narrative doesn’t suit the governor, he becomes aggressive, refutes all claims, spins, manipulates and points the finger at others. The governor’s dressing down of Assemblyman Kim at yesterday’s press call and over a reported phone call with Kim was grossly inappropriate and not the kind of sound, steady leadership New Yorkers deserve.

“I’m grateful to see my colleagues in the majority are at last taking steps to hold the governor accountable for his actions. I have been demanding action for months, along with my Minority conference, knowing that we would need our colleagues across the aisle to join us. A coalition appears to be forming to do what is right and what is needed. Earlier this week, I requested to sign as a co-sponsor on a bill that would remove the governor’s extraordinary emergency powers. Now, the Senate plans to pass legislation to limit Gov. Cuomo’s authority. I also applaud the FBI and U.S. attorney’s office for beginning an investigation into the Cuomo administration. It’s imperative that we get answers as to whether any criminal activity or wrongdoing has occurred. Only after a full investigation can we know what steps are needed to remedy the situation --- both within our state’s nursing homes, and within the Cuomo administration. From my point of view, nothing is off the table.

“New Yorkers deserve better from their leader. Gov. Cuomo needs to be held accountable for his questionable actions that caused so much pain and heartbreak. I will continue to advocate for an independent investigation as we continue to move forward.”