Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist missed an opportunity to display bold leadership at Mackinac

Judd: “This issue deserves urgency at all levels, and it starts at the top”

BRIGHTON, Mich. – (Sept. 24, 2021) — In response to comments made by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist during appearances this week at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council President Tom Judd said bolder leadership was needed to protect accident victims and end the #MICareCrisis. 

“On behalf of the caregivers and providers that have dedicated their lives to rehabbing and supporting Michiganders that have sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of car crashes, we are encouraged by recent comments from Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist acknowledging the need for legislative action to end Michigan’s catastrophic care crisis,” Judd said. “We appreciate their desire to see legislation come to the Governor’s desk that will provide immediate and long-term solutions assuring some of our most vulnerable citizens get the care they need and deserve. Unfortunately, however, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist once again missed an opportunity to display bold leadership and express the urgency for immediate action.”

During interviews at Mackinac, both Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist acknowledged that the temporary solution in place now (a taxpayer appropriated fund that subsidizes the responsibilities of the insurance industry and the Michigan Catastrophic Care Association through a program that provides too little funding much too late) is “inadequate.” Judd noted that this fact was clearly articulated to the Governor prior to her signing the legislation into law and that she had an opportunity at that time to stand up and stop the charade of a proposed program that does nothing to stop loss of access to essential care for catastrophically injured citizens.

Governor Whitmer also has had ample opportunity to do more than just answer questions as they are asked and pass the buck to the legislature, Judd said. 

“Certainly, this is a legislative created problem (signed by Governor Whitmer) and requires a legislative solution; but, since when is this Governor afraid to be bold and clear on the priorities she views as important to protecting Michiganders?,” Judd said. “The passive approach speaks volumes to where the access to care for thousands of crash victims and families ranks on her priority list.”

In 2019, Whitmer spoke at an annual event held by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, where she said it was “critical” that we “partner always with survivors and providers when changes are contemplated in policy,” yet this has not happened from her administration. In the same speech, Governor Whitmer proclaimed that her “partnership” with providers and caregivers was “incredibly important” to her; yet, she dismisses calls for urgent action from those on the front lines. 

“Governor Whitmer stressed that life goes on after brain injury ‘because of access to healthcare, to rehabilitation, to the kinds of supports’ that ensure a high quality of life,” Judd said. “Yet, in the face of immense media coverage and direct contact from providers, survivors, and families, the Governor and her administration have taken a passive approach to the unfolding crisis in care.”

While noting the Republican-led Legislature’s need to initiate and pass a viable solution, Judd said the Governor’s lack of outspoken leadership on this issue has been disappointing. 

“Time and again, when given the opportunity, the Governor and her administration take a passive approach,” he said. “Survivors, families, and caregivers deserve better. They deserve a Governor who acts on her promises and prioritizes their needs. This issue deserves urgency at all levels, and it starts at the top.”

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Members of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council are committed to providing high-quality, ethical rehabilitation services, with the mission of achieving the best outcomes for patients. As a trade association established in 1987 and based in Brighton, Michigan, MBIPC offers resource-sharing, information exchange, professional development and education, advocacy for brain injury standards of care and legislation protecting Michigan families, and the promotion of ethical conduct. For more information, go to mbipc.org https://www.mbipc.org, and connect with MBIPC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.