Former health director testifies before Michigan lawmakers
LANSING, Mich. — Former Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon testified Thursday, April 29 before the Michigan House Oversight Committee. Lawmakers voted to subpoena Gordon after learning of a confidential agreement signed by him and Governor Whitmer. The former director abruptly resigned on January 22. In testimony given over Zoom Gordon said he was surprised when he joined a video conference call and was offered an opportunity to resign.
“I joined that call. When I arrived I saw the governor and members of her staff. The governor said to me, ‘Robert, we’re grateful for your service. I think it’s time to go in another direction. She subsequently dropped off the call.”
The separation agreement calls for a $155,000 payment to Gordon in exchange for not suing the state. Both Gordon and Whitmer have been highly criticized by some lawmakers for entering into the agreement.
