Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to fulfill her promise of releasing the long-awaited post-pandemic “independent” policy review. With the fourth anniversary approaching of the infamous March 25th Executive Order by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Tedisco is calling for transparency and justice for the victims of the nursing home tragedy caused by the placement of COVID-positive patients into state-regulated facilities.

Tedisco expressed his frustration, questioning the delay in the release of the overdue report, stating, “Where is this report and why hasn’t it been released?” He emphasized the need for accountability, especially regarding the deaths of over 15,000 individuals in nursing homes, potentially resulting from the executive order.

Governor Hochul had previously announced the commissioning of an independent review in May 2022, with the aim of providing a comprehensive analysis of the state’s pandemic policies. However, the $4.3 million report, conducted by the Olson Group, Ltd, is now four months overdue, prompting Tedisco to demand its immediate public disclosure.

Highlighting the significance of uncovering the truth behind the nursing home tragedy, Tedisco emphasized the importance of honoring the memories of the victims and providing closure to their families. He stressed the need for transparency to prevent similar disasters in the future, stating, “We need a full understanding of what happened and what can be done to prevent this from reoccurring when a future pandemic strikes.”

Senator Tedisco, a vocal critic of the previous administration’s handling of the pandemic, has been advocating for an independent investigation into the nursing home deaths, supported by bipartisan legislation (S.2419). He urged Governor Hochul to release the pandemic report before the upcoming anniversary of the executive order, emphasizing the necessity of shedding light on the circumstances that led to the tragic events in nursing homes.

As the anniversary of the March 25th Executive Order approaches, Tedisco's calls for justice for nursing home victims echo the sentiments of many affected families and advocates, who continue to seek accountability and transparency in the face of a devastating chapter in New York State's history.