LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, issued the following statement on Tuesday after voting against the appointment of Elizabeth Hertel as director of the Department of Health and Human Services:
“I voted to reject Elizabeth Hertel’s appointment because she has failed to show the independence and accountability we need as the state’s health director.
“During her time as DHHS director, she has been a rubber stamp for the governor — at one time extending severe restrictions on restaurants and small businesses without sharing the data behind the orders and not verifying the reasoning behind limits. She has even said her emergency powers could last ‘forever’ — which is totally unacceptable.
“I hope Director Hertel will show more autonomy from the governor, openness to the public, willingness to work with the Legislature, and understanding about how her actions affect the lives of hardworking Michigan families.”
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