Saratoga Standard

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) stood alongside state and federal Minority representatives to emphasize the necessity of an independent investigation into New York state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the call was on the decision by then-Governor Cuomo to retain COVID-positive patients in nursing homes, a choice that tragically resulted in the loss of over 15,000 lives.

"New York's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its mandate to house positive patients in nursing homes, was an egregious failure. Despite promises, the state has yet to undergo an independent audit of its pandemic response. It's time for accountability. Families of victims deserve answers and justice. We urge both state and federal legislators to support an impartial investigation into the decisions that led to over 15,000 deaths in nursing homes," expressed Assemblyman Simpson.

The assemblyman stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the review process, highlighting the need for closure and justice for the families impacted by the devastating consequences of the nursing home policy during the pandemic. Simpson called on both state and federal lawmakers to back the initiative for an impartial examination of the events that resulted in the significant loss of life within nursing homes.

The plea for an independent review comes as a means to ensure that the mistakes and shortcomings in the state's response to the COVID-19 crisis are thoroughly examined and addressed, with a focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future.