AG Nessel declines to investigate Whitmer on nursing homes

LANSING, Mich. — Attorney General Dana Nessel declined a request by eight Republican Senators to investigate Governor Whitmer’s handling of COVID-19 patients in nursing homes.

State senators Jim Runestad, Tom Barrett, Ruth Johnson, Kim LaSata, Roger Victory, Lana Theis, Dale Zorn, and Curtis VanderWall signed a Feb. 23 letter that specifically raised concerns regarding the governor’s COVID-19 processes and policies for nursing homes; the accuracy of COVID-19 reporting data; compliance with CDC Guidelines; and compliance with the state Freedom of Information Act.

“Though I will not hesitate to act when justified, I also will not abuse the investigatory powers of this Department to launch a political attack on any state official, regardless of party or beliefs,” said Nessel in her response.

Senator Runestead released a statement responding to Nessel’s response.

“There are too many similarities between what happened in New York and what happened in Michigan not to investigate,” Runestead said. “Thousands of New York families recently learned the truth of the matter because of an investigation, and that’s what we need here.”

For a copy of the original request sent to the Attorney General’s office, click here.

To read AG Nessel’s response, click here.