Press release
ALBANY – Senator George Borrello is calling for the U.S.
Department of Justice and the New York Attorney General’s Office to investigate
Governor Cuomo’s administration after the Governor’s top aide admitted his
administration withheld the state’s nursing home death toll from federal
officials out of fear the numbers “would be used against us.”
“This news is heartbreaking but, sadly, not unexpected.
After months of stonewalling and blaming everyone else for these deaths, we now
know it’s been a cover up all along. This admission by Melissa DeRosa,
secretary to the governor, points to potential obstruction of justice, at the
very least. The families of the thousands of people who lost their lives in New
York’s nursing homes deserve no less than a complete and transparent
investigation into how this happened.”
“It’s shocking to me that the first ever apology from this
administration wasn’t to the families who lost loved ones, or to the New
Yorkers who deserve answers. Instead, the first apology from this
administration was to political insiders for inconveniencing them. That’s just
cold-hearted and it speaks volumes about the character of this governor and his
administration. Clearly they value political expediency over public health and
safety.”
“I’m calling on the New York Attorney General’s Office and
U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the actions of Governor Cuomo, the
Secretary to the Governor and the New York State Health Commissioner that
caused this crisis. Their actions directly contributed to the deaths of nursing
home residents. New Yorkers, especially the families of those who lost loved
ones, deserve to know how this happened and why. This won’t be swept under the
rug. We need an investigation.”
Senator Borrello said Senate Democrats need to stop blocking
attempts to fully investigate the actions of the Cuomo administration.
“I am also calling on my Democratic colleagues to cease
being the political firewall for this administration and stand with us to
demand accountability and transparency. They have a duty to their constituents,
and all New Yorkers, to help lead the effort to uncover the truth. The people
must be assured that their government serves them first and foremost,” said
Senator Borrello.
