![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/62-2019-bio.jpg?itok=ZjptOPnn)
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
January 20, 2022
![New York State Senate](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/newsenseal760x377_15_1.jpg?itok=4YfUno6M)
Today, I voted NO on the confirmation of Dr. Mary Bassett as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. While I appreciate and respect Dr. Bassett’s credentials, I cannot in good conscience support a nominee who will not commit to examining the failures of the pandemic response under the disgraced Cuomo administration.
Even though we are in year three of a global pandemic, I firmly believe that DOH is still run with political science – not medical science – dictating our state’s failing COVID policies.
Endless arbitrary mandates. Discriminatory race-based COVID treatment. Infringing on New Yorkers’ second amendment rights. State-sanctioned drug injection sites. None of these policies are to the benefit of New Yorkers’ short- and long-term health.
I am disappointed that the Hochul administration has not learned from the failures of the disgraced Cuomo administration. We need an independent Health Department that can tackle the COVID, drug, and violent crime epidemics without politics or political correctness clouding their judgment.
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![Pictured at the Holley library from left to right: Front Row: Community Free Library Dir. Sandra Shaw; Senator Rob Ortt; and Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Board Member Kristine Mostyn. Back Row: Community Free Library Board Member Sue Orman; Community Free Library Board Member Barbara Lehning; Community Free Library Supporter Sue Persia; Yates Community Library Dir. Emily Cebula; Yates Community Library Board Member Kathleen Sillick; Hoag Library Dir. Betty Sue Miller; and Community Free Library Board President Barbara Kerns.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/orleans_libraries.jpg?itok=TYhBzpKd)
Ortt Delivers a Total of $40,000 to Eastern Niagara County Libraries
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![Pictured at the Lockport Public Library from left to right: Barker Library Director Lisa Thompson; Wilson Library Dir. Marge Clark; Senator Ortt; Royalton-Hartland Library Dir. Sonora Miller (back row); Newfane Library Dir. Kris DeGlopper-Banks; and Lockport Library Dir. Bev Federspiel.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/img_3069.jpg?itok=H6CbYwQ2)
Ortt Appointed to New Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Protection
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