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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.