News
January 09, 2018

AFSCME welcomes lawmakers’ involvement in Quincy Veterans’ Home crisis


AFSCME submitted written testimony to the Joint Hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees on January 9 regarding the health crisis at Quincy Veterans’ Home.

After three years of Legionnaires disease outbreaks at Quincy Veterans’ Home, 13 residents have lost their lives and numerous residents and employees have also been stricken with the disease. Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Administration has been under fire for mismanagement of the situation, especially as the state failed to notify families in a timely manner.

After a WBEZ radio investigation into the persistent presence of the Legionella bacteria in the home’s water system and Rauner’s poor handling of the crisis. Fortunately, this media spotlight has drawn the attention of Illinois state legislators and U.S. senators.

Testimony was presented by the Directors of the Illinois Departments of Public Health and Veterans’ Affairs at the Jan. 9 hearing.

AFSCME’s written testimony focused on three main points:

The occurrence of Legionnaires’ disease at the Quincy Veterans’ Home has been a source of great anxiety for AFSCME members who are dedicated to caring for residents. Employees welcome the increased scrutiny by lawmakers and look forward to working toward a better future for the home and the people it serves.

AFSCME plans to testify at the next legislative hearing on the crisis, which is set for January 23 in Springfield.

Related News