Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to reverse its planned closure of the Schenectady Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, warning the move would significantly reduce access to care for local veterans and create unnecessary hardship across the Capital Region.

The clinic is currently expected to close August 28th, a timeline that has raised alarm among veterans who say they were caught off guard and are concerned about having to travel farther for routine care.

“This decision has real consequences,” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said. “For many veterans – especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation – this clinic provides convenient, trusted access to primary care close to home. Taking that away makes getting care harder.”

Santabarbara has formally contacted VA leadership and sent letters to Congress pushing for reconsideration of the plan and explore alternatives that maintain local access.

While the VA has pointed to expanded services at its Clifton Park facility, Santabarbara stressed that increased travel distances can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and greater strain on emergency services.

““This clinic is part of the support system local veterans rely on,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “Closing it means longer trips, fewer options, and more barriers to care for the men and women who served our country – and that’s unacceptable.”

Santabarbara said he will continue pressing for solutions that strengthen – not weaken – access to healthcare for veterans.

“Our responsibility is clear,” he added. “Veterans should not have to fight for access to the care they deserve.”