Kendall County Times

State Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) wants to see accountability across the board in the wake of the LaSalle Veterans' Home COVID-19 outbreak that left 36 dead.

“Those of us here today reacted swiftly when we first learned of the outbreak,” Welter said at an Illinois House Republicans gathering to discuss the issue. “I joined Reps. (Randy) Frese (R-Quincy) and (Dan) Swanson (R-Woodhull) in calling for the House Veterans Affairs Committee to call hearings, to step in and identify how we could help the governor’s team act with the urgency that this crisis demanded.”

Many questions have been raised by the tragedy, a trend Welter argues needs to end now.

“Crucial weeks passed by with no response from Democrats, all while our vets were suffering,” he added. “It took until Dec. 8 to hold a hearing, but again politics got in the way.  In the aftermath of the inspector general’s report, we need to hold hearings to insure those responsible for this tragic failure are held accountable. We must also begin to restore the public’s confidence that we will take any actions to make sure that the multitude of failures that led to this tragedy at the LaSalle Homes are never repeated.”

VA Director Linda Chapa LaVia was forced to step down from her post, though Welter argues there is plenty of blame to go around.

“There are so many questions this tragedy has brought to life that need answers,” he said. “This is not a partisan issue. I’m willing to do whatever we can to work with the governor and Democrats in the House to protect our veterans.  Let’s honor our veterans at the LaSalle home by making changes.”