Smullen: Identifying New York State’s Triumphs and Mistakes in Responding to the Covid-19 Crisis is Essential

A Statement from Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) in response to a Joint Minority Press Conference in Albany on March 25, 2024, calling for an independent review of New York state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“I was proud to see Congressman Marc Molinaro and my colleagues from the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences come together to call for an independent review of our state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. This review of our triumphs and mistakes both during and after the pandemic will help us better prepare for similar crises should they emerge in the future.

“My thoughts go out to the representatives from ‘Voices for Seniors,’ and everyone throughout our state who lost family members to COVID-19 in nursing homes. The lack of action from New York state’s ‘Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force,’ in addressing the injustice seen in nursing homes statewide is shameful and requires immediate action. As New Yorkers, we have all been affected by COVID-19 whether directly or indirectly, and we owe it to our constituents to do a deep dive into our response to the crisis as it unfolded and its aftermath.

“I am very curious to see what details this review will unveil, and I am prepared to work alongside all our Minority lawmakers and representatives here in Albany to improve our response for the sake of New Yorkers’ safety and health.”