Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco filed a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request seeking a copy of the contract between the Hochul Administration and the Olson Group, LTD, regarding the firm’s review of New York’s COVID-19 policies. Tedisco expressed frustration over the delay in the release of the report, stating, “Where is this report and why hasn’t it been released? Hochul has been totally silent on its status and despite her promises to do so, has shown a real lack of transparency.”

Reflecting on the impact of the executive order mandating the placement of COVID-positive patients in nursing homes, Tedisco emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the affected families. He highlighted the delay in Governor Hochul's promised independent review, urging for transparency and a prompt release of the report.

Dan Mathias of Clifton Park, who lost his mother to COVID in a nursing home, echoed Tedisco's sentiments, calling for a bipartisan investigation with subpoena power. Mathias urged Governor Hochul to comply with Tedisco's FOIL request and release the contract with the Olson Group, stressing the importance of obtaining answers and closure for the impacted families.

Governor Hochul had previously announced an independent review of the state's COVID-19 policies, stating, “History deserves to have a true record of what happened here.” However, despite the hiring of the Olson Group, Ltd, for a $4.3 million contract to conduct the study, the report's release has been significantly delayed.

Senator Tedisco, a vocal critic of the executive order mandating COVID-positive patients in nursing homes, has been advocating for transparency and accountability in the handling of the nursing home deaths. His bipartisan legislation for an independent investigation into the nursing home deaths has garnered support from families and loved ones seeking closure in the wake of the devastating tragedy.