Republican lawmakers cited a report by the Illinois Department of Human Services Inspector General when blaming what they call a lack of leadership behind the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home last fall.
State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) was among the legislators who expressed indignation at the loss of 36 lives — all military veterans — by calling out the Department of Veteran Affairs for its mishandling of the crisis.
"When we first heard what happened at LaSalle Veterans' Home, it quickly became apparent that it was one of the most tragic circumstances that we've come across during this long and difficult pandemic," Demmer said. "What made it even more difficult is the acknowledgment that this happened despite the knowledge that those most at risk of death from the coronavirus were folks who were over the age of 65 and folks who live in long-term care or congregate living facility … The report that was released today is a stunning portrait of a failure in leadership at every level."
The Republican lawmaker then called on Gov. Pritzker to identify those responsible.
"Gov. Pritzker must come forward immediately and detail who is being held accountable and how we're going to make systemic changes to ensure that people bear responsibility for this tragedy and that we can make steps and changes to ensure that it never happens again," Demmer said.
The families of the victims who have read the report have expressed disgust at what transpired. At least five bereaved families intend to file legal charges against state officials.
"The report only confirms our worst suspicions that the deaths of our nation's veterans were preventable,” said Mike Bonamarte, the attorney representing the families.
Demmer also assailed the government agency tasked to protect those who died, stating that while the Department of Veterans Affairs had knowledge of the pandemic, they had taken no action.
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) had earlier said that the Pritzker Administration should be held accountable for its failure to implement audit recommendations for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Veterans Affairs (IDVA).
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