Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism after disclosure of two additional employee-separation deals for former top officials after a $155,000 payout to former Health Director Robert Gordon came to light.
Whitmer's administration confirmed yesterday that Steve Gray, former administrator of the Michigan Unemployment Agency -- garnered an $86,000 payout in severance when he left the agency.
Another deputy health director was paid $12,000 when they left their position.
Republican lawmakers threatened Whitmer with a subpoena to force her to explain the payouts and they are vowing to try to prevent the governor from entering into future separation deals that "silence" departing members. That hinges on the idea that the health director left as questions swirled about the governor's handling of coronavirus cases at nursing homes.
Gordon signed a confidentiality agreement and got nine months pay when he suddenly resigned.
"We want to know if what happened in New York, did that happen here? Can you show us that data? They refused to show us the data," state Rep. Steve Johnson, chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, said at a press conference on Tuesday. "Now, last night we find out that our governor has bought the silence of former Director Gordon with $150,000 of taxpayer money."
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According to FOX News, Whitmer has refused to answer direct questions about the payout. She dodged queries from reporters about it a press conference yesterday.
"To lead this department in unimaginable circumstances, it has been grueling," Whitmer said at a Jan. 25 press conference, according to The Detroit News. "On behalf of all of the people of Michigan, I want to thank him for his service to our state. He worked hard to protect our public health."