Tri-City Sun

House Oversight Committee Vice Chair Matthew Bierlein has stated that recent actions by the committee to obtain information from state departments and officials will bring much-needed transparency as the Legislature continues its work on the state budget.

The committee approved five subpoenas with unanimous bipartisan support. Two of these were directed at state Attorney General Dana Nessel concerning allegations that have not been thoroughly investigated, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. Another subpoena was issued to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel, requiring her to testify about persistent issues within the department, including problems in foster care, welfare fraud, and juvenile justice. Additionally, two subpoenas were approved for the state's Department of Natural Resources regarding practices involving "feral swine" affecting farmers and Canadian geese culling.

Bierlein emphasized the importance of accountability: “I think our Oversight Committee sent a clear and unified message – no one should be above answering to people they represent,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. He added that efforts had been made to gather this information without resorting to subpoenas but encountered resistance and a lack of transparency.

In 2023, allegations surfaced against an organization called Bipartisan Solutions for using a fraudulent scheme related to a ballot initiative linked to Nessel's family member. Bierlein pointed out that Nessel is pursuing criminal charges against a Republican fundraiser for similar accusations while neglecting a full investigation into Bipartisan Solutions.

Bierlein also serves as chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security and is part of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Corporate Subsidies and State Investments.