Tonko, Fahy, Bipartisan Coalition Demands Reversal of Trump VA Decision to Close Schenectady Clinic
ROTTERDAM, N.Y. – Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Patricia Fahy were joined by elected officials, veterans, and community members to demand the reversal of a decision to close the Schenectady VA Clinic in the Town of Rotterdam. The coalition also released a letter penned to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs raising serious concerns over the for closing the clinic and demands the reversal of the decision to close the clinic. Furthermore, the letter demands an explanation and response from Director DeLancey.
There are more than 7,000 veterans in Schenectady County alone who are eligible to receive healthcare provided at the VA, and it serves more than 1,500 every year. Disturbingly, this decision comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s actions that have led to significant funding cuts for the VA, an across-the-board staffing reduction of more than 6%, and disruptions to care and services in almost every state.
A letter sent to veterans who utilize the clinic notes that neighboring VA facilities are absorbing the patient population from Schenectady. This is deeply troubling for many veterans living in Schenectady County and who rely on the services provided by the VA. Forcing veterans to travel further to new locations makes these critical services less accessible, and potentially moving their appointments to Clifton Park or Albany is not a feasible long-term solution, particularly for those with disabilities, those who can no longer drive or with limited access to transportation, and those who rely on caregivers and others to facilitate their care.
In particular, the proposed closure will have a disproportionate impact on veterans in rural and suburban communities outside of the City of Schenectady and often face travel times in excess of 30 minutes or more. For example, 1 hour of travel time translates to a 10% increase in higher personal costs and 14% in higher total spending, according to the National Institute of Health.
Thumbnail photo credit: Albany Times Union
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