Dupage Policy Journal

Following the emergence of blistering details in the report about the deadly COVID-19 outbreak in LaSalle Veterans' Home, Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) joined his fellow Republican lawmakers in asking for accountability.

Republicans say the tragic loss of the veterans was a result of incompetence and lack of leadership, and as such there are people who should be held accountable.

“There has to be more accountability for the loss of 36 of our valued heroes who were entrusted in this home,” Durkin said as he reminded the House of the famous quote "the buck stops here" made by former President Harry Truman.

The Western Springs Republican lawmaker added that the buck goes as far as Gov. Pritzker who he said must take full responsibility in failing to protect the 36 residents who died from Covid-19.

“We lost 36 honored veterans at LaSalle and many more suffered through a terrifying illness that may cause long-term damage,” said Durkin. “All of this was avoidable. So, Governor, the question I have for you, where does the buck stop?”

The Illinois House Minority Leader said the crisis started before the first positive test.

"This epic failure of leadership didn't start on Nov. 1 when the first veteran tested positive," Durkin said. "It started months earlier when the governor did not act to ensure that our state's veterans' homes were prepared for the outbreak."

Pritzker had picked former Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia  to lead the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). Durkin said she "took a hands-off approach managing the crisis"

According to the IDHS Inspector General report, the outbreak at the facility was due to the lack of a COVID plan and failures in leadership, ABC7 Eyewitness News reported.

Sen. Sue Rezin, who has been actively pushing for a comprehensive investigation, said it took the administration 12 days after the outbreak to do an onsite visit.