Connor-Backed Legislation Would Require Thorough Reporting of Conditions in Veterans Homes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to the deadly Legionnaire’s Disease crisis at the Quincy Veterans Home, state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is backing legislation to address the situation and prevent future outbreaks.

“The lack of action taken to prevent the deaths caused by the outbreak at the Quincy home is unacceptable,” Connor said. “While the governor’s administration’s lackluster response fails to address the situation, it is critical for fellow legislators and me to take the steps necessary to prevent tragedies like this in the future.”

Connor is supporting House Bill 5784, which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a quarterly report to the General Assembly. The report would provide legislators with the number and details of all complaints made by residents of veterans homes, in addition to information on epidemics and individual cases of communicable diseases. Since the Legionnaire’s outbreak in Quincy began in 2015, 13 residents have died and over 60 residents and staff members have been diagnosed with the disease.

“Veterans and their loved ones deserve better from the state, and as a legislator, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure their safety and wellbeing,” Connor said. “By implementing legislation that keeps a closer eye on the quality of care at veterans homes, I believe we can actively ensure better care and prevent tragedies like the Legionnaire’s outbreak.”

House Bill 5784 passed out of the Veterans Affairs Committee last week, and is moving to the House floor for consideration.