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letter House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, sent
Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the outbreak was avoidable.
“The [Inspector General for the Illinois Department of Human
Services] is very troubling and saddening,” Durkin said. “Based
on the findings made in the report, it is clear that the
transfer of COVID-19 to vulnerable patients at LaSalle Veterans'
Home was avoidable. Caring for our aged veterans in our state
facilities should always rise to the highest standard of care.
That standard of care for our heroic veterans … was not met.”
He said the report laid out actions and inactions at the home
“including the abdication of duties of Governor [J.B.]
Pritzker’s chosen agency director and failures on even basic
precautions - such as placing COVID-19 positive veterans with
COVID-19 negative veterans.”
Durkin wrote that neglect of the elderly and the disabled
violates state law and “in this case, our veterans were under
the direct care of the executive branch.”
“I ask that your office open an investigation on this issue and
if appropriate prosecute to the fullest extent,” the letter
states.
Other Republicans who signed the letter include state Reps. Dan
Swanson, R-Woodhall; Tom Bennett, R-Pontiac; Avery Bourne,
R-Raymond; Dan Brady, R-Bloomington; Tim Butler, R-Springfield;
C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville; Tom Demmer, R-Dixon; Deanne
Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst; Ryan Spain, R-Peoria; David Welter,
R-Morris; and Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego.
The Attorney General’s office didn’t immediately respond to a
request for comment.
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