Statement on the Holyoke Soldiers Home

The following is a statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka.

“As the daughter of a veteran, I continue to be heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives to COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. I am grateful to the loved ones who testified so bravely before the Special Joint Committee on the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, even in the midst of their own heartbreak. Their testimony was vital to the Committee’s report, which was released this week.

I am disturbed by the inconsistencies between the Globe Spotlight reporting and the Pearlstein report, and equally troubled by the findings in the Special Committee's report. As the Chairs of the Special Joint Committee note, the Pearlstein report has “generated more questions than answers.” The Commonwealth—and especially the families of the veterans who died in the COVID-19 outbreak—deserve answers to those questions. With several active investigations currently ongoing, we expect Governor Baker and his Administration to be forthcoming on the legitimate questions that are being asked.

The Special Committee’s report has outlined systemic problems. The Senate therefore remains fully focused on dramatic, drastic, and swift governance reform to our veterans’ services to ensure the tragedy that occurred in Holyoke never happens again. We expect to file, and hold a public hearing on, a reform bill with expediency. We look forward to hearing from, and working with, stakeholders to ensure these vital reforms become law.”

The report of the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak can be viewed here.