Kifowit and Chapa LaVia Disturbed by Rauner’s Comments about Veterans’ Home Deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – During a recent meeting with the Crain’s Chicago Business Editorial Board, Gov. Bruce Rauner, when questioned about his administration’s response to the legionella outbreaks at the state-run Quincy Veterans’ home which resulted in the deaths of 13 veterans and 61 infections, said he would not have done anything differently. State Reps. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, and Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, call on the governor to take responsibility.

“The fact that the governor has the audacity to claim his administration responded ‘exceptionally well’ and ‘would not do anything different’ to protect our Veterans shows his complete lack of leadership and responsibility. Under his watch, 13 Veterans have died and his remarks are disrespectful to their families.  One glaring case of mismanagement we have uncovered in the testimonials is that the residents, their families and even the staff were purposely not informed of the severity of the outbreak,” Kifowit said. “Frankly, I am disgusted by his lack of humility and compassion for my fellow Veterans who served our country. They served us and it is his duty to serve them. He has failed miserably doing so.”

“I am deeply troubled by the governor’s inability to admit wrong doing when 13 veterans died under his watch. It goes to show he is unfit to lead and has no intention of taking care of those who fought for our country,” Chapa LaVia said. “Our veterans deserve the best care we can possibly give them and they certainly deserve a governor who will fight for them.”

“It is vital to know all the details in regards to this tragic situation, and we call on the Governor and his Directors to release the information. The public has a right to know,” stated Kifowit and Chapa LaVia.

Both representatives have been involved in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s investigation of the Quincy Veterans Home.