This investigation is long overdue. Knowing where, how and how many died was critical to protecting others in nursing homes. That’s why this Legislature held hearings, sent letters and made requests for this critical information, and when we tried to exert oversight powers, the Governor ignored us.

The Governor Cuomo’s office took six months to respond, and only after a damning report from the Attorney General’s office was released and an admission from a high-level staffer in his office that this information was held back intentionally. Vulnerable populations were put at unnecessary risk because of the governor’s actions, plain and simple.

We must demand more from government in these challenging times. We rely on transparency from public health agencies and elected officials, especially during a deadly pandemic like this. We need truth and accountability from the governor – unfortunately this investigation may be the only way we’re going to get it.