Finger Lakes Today

Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) expressed strong sentiments at a press conference held on March 25, 2024, regarding the plight of families who lost loved ones in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Byrnes, alongside Congressman Marc Molinaro, members of the Assembly Minority Conference, and advocates of “Voices for Seniors,” highlighted the lack of response and accountability from the New York State Department of Health in handling the crisis.

At the conference, Byrnes criticized the "Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force" of 2022 for its inadequate study and response to long-term care services in the state. She emphasized the need for an independent review of the state's actions during the COVID crisis, stating, "It is shameful that thousands of elderly residents were victims during a national pandemic and families have yet to receive justice from such horrific circumstances."

Acknowledging the grief and advocacy of families affected by the nursing home tragedies, Byrnes offered her condolences, saying, "My deepest condolences go out to those families and advocates who were with us today and the many others not here– no family should have to advocate while mourning their loss." She affirmed her commitment to holding those responsible fully accountable and preventing similar incidents in the future, standing in solidarity with her colleagues and Voices for Seniors.

The call for justice and accountability for the families of nursing home residents remains a central focus for Byrnes and other elected officials and advocates who are determined to address the failures in the state's response to the COVID-19 crisis.