Statement from New York State Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I-Halfmoon) on the resignation of Howard Zucker

“The resignation of Howard Zucker as State Health Commissioner is a positive, necessary, long-overdue step for New York. While we can finally begin the fresh start that our state needs, Zucker’s resignation does not equal a clean slate. There still must be answers, accountability, and justice regarding the tragic nursing home deaths that took place because of Zucker and Cuomo’s disastrous, deadly mandate. Families, my Senate Republican colleagues, and I have continually demanded this since the spring of 2020.

We must set a firm precedent for current and future leaders that the truth and public health will not fall victim to politics or political cover-ups, such as those perpetrated by former Governor Cuomo, Zucker, and their enablers. Our state lost over 15,000 senior citizens due to Cuomo and Zucker’s deadly mandate that forced nursing homes to take in COVID-19 positive patients. Zucker and Cuomo tried to cover up their disastrous policy but the truth – and families – were more powerful than their schemes. I am thankful for the strength, courage, and resilience of the families that stood with us, and I will continue advocating for Zucker’s resignation to not be the final word in this important effort to ensure accountability in state government.”

###