Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D, I-Utica/Rome) released the following statement today regarding recent admissions on the cover up of COVID-19 data related to nursing home deaths

"This new report regarding the Cuomo Administration’s undercounting and dismissal of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents is unsettling and absolutely unacceptable.These actions constitute a blatant betrayal of public trust for which there is no excuse. In order to ensure full accountability, I am urging the passage of legislation that would establish a state commission to thoroughly and independently study and investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic response on deaths in nursing homes. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: we must remove the politics and assess the state's COVID-19 policies so we can effectively combat this pandemic and help ensure a tragedy like this never occurs again. The families who lost loved ones deserve truth and accountability."