Peoria Standard

State Rep. Mark Luft (R-Pekin) echoed his colleagues’ plea for accountability during the news conference they held on May 18 in connection with the LaSalle Veterans' Homes COVID-19 outbreak.

With a family and relatives who have also served the country and as an Army veteran himself, he lamented how veterans have been treated. He also addressed the families of the veterans during his speech.  

“When I think about these heroes residing in our state veteran homes, I can't help but think of my own family,” Luft said. “How angry I would be to watch them go through what has happened in these veterans’ homes, I can’t help but think, LaSalle and all the state homes. To the families of those who have lost their lives, I'm sorry you had to go through this more deeply than I can express.”

He urged for a deeper investigation and better plans for the honorable individuals who served the country.

“We must get to the bottom of what has transpired at our veterans’ homes and make sure that this never happens again and I'm confident in the gentlemen standing behind me that they are driven and will do everything possible to help structure an environment to make sure that this never does happen again,” Luft continued.

The freshman representative from Pekin, in a low voice, asserted that the veterans deserve better.

“These people living in these homes have bravely sacrificed in service to our nation—we are here living the way we do because of them and that should never be forgotten,” Luft stated. “This kind of treatment should have never existed. We will never be able to fully repay them for what they've done but it's our duty to try and ensure the final years they have here are cared for, not ignored not mistreated, and certainly not forgotten — cared for.”

Luft recently saw his first legislation, House Bill 1926, which aims to streamline government and remove an outdated laws from the books, passed by the House.