La Salle veterans’ home coronavirus deaths are still on the minds of Illinois lawmakers

Posted on May 12, 2021
Peter Neumer, acting inspector general of the Illinois Department of Human Services. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – You get the feeling Illinois lawmakers are just getting started on this one.

One of no fewer than four committee hearings and news conferences this week about the state veterans’ home at La Salle – where 36 residents died of coronavirus – featured the inspector general who submitted a scathing report last month.

“We reached out to (former veterans affairs) director (Linda) Chapa LaVia, and, ultimately, with respect to an interview,” said Peter Neumer, “I believe there was a request to provide questions beforehand, and we were not comfortable with doing so, and ultimately she declined to participate.”

The home’s now former administrator, Angela Mehlbach, also did not cooperate. Neither Mehlbach nor Chapa LaVia work for the state anymore.

Chapa LaVia was criticized for a “hands-off” management style and for delegating important duties to unqualified underlings. The report also says infected residents shared rooms with healthier ones.

A hearing Thursday is set to include the directors of public health and veterans affairs – and, possibly, a deputy governor.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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