Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for failing to release the administration’s contract for an "independent" pandemic policy review concerning the deaths of 15,000 New Yorkers in state-regulated nursing homes due to COVID. Tedisco expressed his frustration, stating, “The public has a right to know what their government is doing in their stead. Where is the Governor’s $4.3 million pandemic policy review...Why should it take months for the Governor’s office to send me a copy of a simple contract for this report that should be publicly accessible for all to read? Gimme a break! This is verging on obstruction!”

Tedisco further questioned the delay in releasing the report, stating, “The Governor said this so-called ‘independent report’ on the pandemic response and nursing home deaths would be a year-long review. This should have been done five or six months ago at the latest...Hochul has been totally silent on its status and despite her promises to do so, has shown a real lack of transparency.”

Senator Tedisco, who filed a Freedom of Information Law request seeking the contract, criticized the administration’s lack of response, saying, “Sadly, all we continue to get from this administration is radio silence.”

Governor Hochul had previously announced an independent review of the state’s early pandemic policies, including decisions affecting nursing homes and the economy. The review, conducted by the Olson Group, Ltd, was delayed and is yet to be released, prompting criticism from Tedisco.

Senator Tedisco, a vocal critic of previous pandemic policies, has been advocating for transparency and accountability in the handling of nursing home deaths. He has sponsored bipartisan legislation calling for an independent investigation with subpoena power, garnering support from families affected by the nursing home tragedies.