Whitmer faces criticism over severance deals for officials

FILE- In a Dec. 18, 2020 file photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon addresses the state in Lansing, Mich. On Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 Gordon resigned his position. He made the announcement without explanation Friday, just hours after signing a revised order to allow restaurants to resume indoor dining on Feb. 1. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2021, file photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Mich. Whitmer faced growing criticism Tuesday, March 2, 2021 after the disclosure of another severance deal for a former top health official, a day after her administration acknowledged that a key leader in the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic was paid $155,000 following his sudden resignation. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)

In a photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The governor announced the further loosening of Michigan's coronavirus restrictions, easing capacity limits in restaurants and a host of other businesses while also allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. The revised state health department order will take effect Friday and last through April 19. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP)