Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara today raised new concerns after reviewing internal materials related to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ plan to close the Schenectady Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

The materials outline the reasoning behind the proposed closure, including assumptions about travel distances, patient demand, and cost. Assemblyman Santabarbara said the documents raise serious questions about how the decision was made and whether it reflects the real impact on local veterans.

“After reviewing these materials, it’s clear there are still major gaps in how this decision is being justified,” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said. “They claim the impact will be minimal, but there’s no clear data showing how veterans will actually be affected.”

The documents emphasize distance between facilities and cost considerations, but Assemblyman Santabarbara said those factors do not fully capture the challenges veterans face.

“Access to care isn’t just about miles on a map,” he said. “It’s about whether veterans – especially seniors and those without reliable transportation – can realistically get to their appointments.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara also pointed to inconsistencies in the materials regarding veteran demand and service needs.

“You can’t point to changing enrollment trends while also expanding services elsewhere and call that a clear justification,” he said. “That raises more questions than it answers.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara noted that he has already taken action to seek answers, including contacting VA leadership, requesting a meeting, and filing a federal records request to obtain the full set of documents behind the decision.

“Decisions that affect veterans’ care shouldn’t be based on internal assumptions that the public never gets to see,” Santabarbara said. “This is exactly why transparency matters. Veterans deserve to see the full picture – not just internal summaries.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara said he will continue pushing for answers and working to reverse the decision.

“This clinic is a lifeline for our community,” Santabarbara said. “I’ll continue fighting until this decision is reversed.”