Michigan Senate Subpoenas Gov. Whitmer on Handling of Nursing Homes

On Thursday, May 13 2021 Governor Gretchen Whitmer was issued a subpoena by the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee for reportedly mishandling nursing homes during the pandemic. Witmer’s subpoena came after more than two months of ignoring the Senate Oversight Committee’s initial request which was sent out on March 2 and followed up on April 8. Edward McBroom, Oversight Committee chairman, stated in a meeting that after several requests for transparency,  “we’ve received completely nothing.”

We have yet to see Governor Cuomo held responsible for his similar mishandling of nursing homes in New York. However, it appears that the Michigan Oversight Committee has stepped up the pressure on Whitmer by issuing a subpoena to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) requesting all documents and communications relating to COVID-19 policies  concerning long-term, congregate care facilities.

Emily Schwarzkopf, the director of MDHHS, while stalling the process with excuses about the number of documents that would have to be identified, the cost, and a lack of staff to handle the collection of the data; stated that the department “intends to comply with the request from the committee.” Senate oversight committee vice-chair Lana Theis, noted that “the department is trying to avoid producing the information.” However, time is running out on the stalling tactics because the documents must be delivered no later than 5 p.m. on May 27.

For a brief recap: During the early stages of the pandemic, Whitmer, along with New York Governor Cuomo and four other states issued an executive order in April 2020 to designate a number of nursing homes as “regional hubs.” Will we see accountability or will this be another case of Democrats who are above the law and untouchable?

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