Holland Reporter

On Tuesday, State Representative Luke Meerman, a Republican from Coopersville, joined the House Oversight Committee in voting to approve subpoenas for several government officials. Among those subpoenaed is Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Meerman chairs the House Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare and has been vocal about his desire to obtain answers regarding what he describes as numerous failures by the health department to protect children under its care. "Week after week, we have learned more about how our state’s safety net for children has failed," Meerman stated. He further noted that throughout the term, his committee has heard testimony from grieving parents and advocates for mistreated children who have shared information about severe negligence by facilities and services operated by MDHHS.

The investigations led by Meerman into MDHHS's handling of child welfare were largely motivated by reports from the Michigan Office of Auditor General. These reports highlighted various issues within MDHHS's Children’s Protective Services (CPS) and Office of Family Advocate. The Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare has heard testimonies concerning cases such as the deaths of 3-year-old Chayce Allen and 6-year-old Rowan Morey, among other instances of negligence.

The subpoena requires Hertel to appear before the Oversight Committee on September 9th to answer questions. "In the many cases we have heard about this year, we see clear signs of failure by the state health department," said Meerman. He expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a lack of accountability from MDHHS and an abundance of excuses rather than solutions. According to Meerman, "The House’s subpoena on Director Hertel marks an effort to get past the excuses and bring transparency and accountability to Michigan’s highest offices."