The Peru Gazette

Earlier today New York Attorney General Letitia James released a searing report that found the state Department of Health underreported nursing home deaths related to the coronavirus by as much as 50 percent.  (Click here to review the report) 

State Senator Dan Stec issued this statement: 

“All New Yorkers, and especially those who suffered the tragic loss of a loved one to COVID, deserve and are entitled to the truth,” said Senator Dan Stec.

“Early on we were promised by the governor that data would drive decisions, with him saying he would share all of the numbers.  Today’s attorney general report suggests that the State Department of Health has instead obscured by as much as 50 percent the number of nursing home-related deaths.  The governor hasn’t kept his promise.

“For months, my colleagues and many others including media outlets have been trying to get accurate figures from this administration.  For months, we have gotten nothing but excuses.  Instead, the task fell to the state attorney general, who has spent a lot time and energy investigating.  What we are learning is alarming to say the least, a case of either gross incompetence or an apparent cover-up by Cuomo and his administration.

“Anyone who has spent time in a nursing home knows the tremendous challenge that goes on there every day.  I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the men and women who work in our nursing homes and try mightily to offer the compassionate and attentive care we all hope for our elderly family members and friends.  Not for a minute can we blame them.  Understanding what happened by knowing the complete truth is the only way we can make things better in the future.  The sooner we get there the better.”

Assemblyman Billy Jones issued this statement: 

“First and foremost, my heart goes out to all the family members whose loved ones succumbed to COVID-19 while residing in nursing homes. Since the start of the public health crisis, I have stood with family members and nursing home residents and advocated on their behalf to ensure their safety and overall well-being and also called for nursing homes to get the proper PPE, testing and other measures to support all staff and residents to battle this crisis. I am outraged at the lack of transparency and accuracy from the Department of Health and the Administration with regard to nursing home protocols and reporting measures. That is why my colleagues and I have been calling for the release of accurate data for months. The release of this report is only the beginning of an investigation that should uncover the truth these families rightfully deserve. As this independent investigation continues, more focus should be on those impacted and the lives lost right here in the North Country.”

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik issued this statement: 

“This is now more than a nursing home scandal, this is a massive corruption and coverup scandal at the highest level of New York State Government implicating the Governor, the Secretary to the Governor, the New York State Health Commissioner and the Governor’s staff. Every New Yorker deserves transparency, accountability and answers regarding the orchestration of this illegal coverup. I am calling on the New York Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice to issue subpoenas immediately of Governor Cuomo and his entire staff on all documentation and internal and external communications, including with any and all associations and lobbyists who have direct ties to the Governor’s senior team related to this corrupt and illegal coverup. I am committed to doing everything I can in my power to protect the independence of the ongoing federal investigation into Governor Cuomo’s nursing home disaster. President Joe Biden should pledge to do the same. As a fellow New Yorker, I want to publicly thank the effective and tireless advocates who have humbly served as the voice of their lost loved ones and have faced inexcusably cruel treatment from the Governor and his entire team, who we know have orchestrated a criminal coverup and have blood on their hands.”