Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) introduced IL HR0062 which would seek answers on the alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home.

The bipartisan bill directs the auditor general to conduct a performance audit of the state's response to the situation.

There have been 36 deaths in the facility and 90 percent of the residents have been infected by the coronavirus.

This is “the deadliest outbreak at a state-run facility in Illinois history,” according to Welter.

Before the pandemic, an audit had been executed and recommendations were listed, including ensuring a timely response for on-site assistance and implementing CDC recommendations following a confirmed outbreak.

“Clearly this was not done since it took 12 days after the outbreak’s confirmation to realize CDC practices were ignored,” Welter said. "By ignoring the Auditor General’s findings, the Pritzker Administration mismanaged the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home."

“Gov. Pritzker must own up to his administration’s failures. He must answer why his Deputy Governor did not spearhead efforts to implement the Auditor General’s report.”

The failures “unnecessarily cost the lives of our nation’s heroes,” Welter added.

The House joint resolution, co-sponsored by Reps. Stephanie Kifowit (D), Lance Yednock (D), and Adam Niemerg (R), demands a response from the administration.