Statement from Senator Oberacker

ALBANY, 01/20/22 -- State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) today commented on his vote in opposition of the confirmation of Dr. Bassett as New York State Health Commissioner:

“Since taking the helm as acting New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. Bassett has rubber stamped several of the governor’s COVID mandates and helped oversee the firing of thousands of healthcare workers who had dedicated their lives to the well-being of others.

“The rural areas I represent are experiencing a drastic loss of doctors, nurses, and volunteer first responders for a host of reasons, and I am concerned with her lack of a clear cut strategy to address the harmful decline.

“Dr. Bassett’s support for government-supervised drug injections sites is perhaps the biggest red flag.  As the ranking member on the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee and a member of the Senate Heroin Task Force, I strongly disagree with the use of taxpayer dollars to perpetuate the use of illegal drugs.  Education and treatment are strategies that I endorse to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, however legalized shooting galleries do not have my backing.

“Moving forward, while I voted against Dr. Bassett’s confirmation, I stand ready to work with her, educate her about rural health concerns, and develop policies that will meet our state’s diverse needs.”

Senator Oberacker voted in opposition of Dr. Bassett’s confirmation during the Senate Health Committee meeting and again on the senate floor. 

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