Michigan governor says states bidding against each other for medical supplies is ‘creating a lot more problems for us all’

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) said Sunday that bidding between states for personal protective equipment (PPE) is creating problems as hospitals across the country are seeing depleted supplies amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Whitmer said that in some cases, contracts in place have been set aside, delayed or cancelled and the goods are instead going to the federal government. 

“It’s a source of frustration not unique to Michigan, but it’s a unique situation that we have in our country right now and it’s … creating a lot more problems for all of us,” Whitmer said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

Whitmer said Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and Minnesota are experiencing similar problems. 

Michigan Gov. Whitmer says states are bidding against each other for PPE supplies on top of the federal government taking contracts from vendors. “It’s a unique situation that we have in our country right now and it’s … creating a lot more problems for all of us.” #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/Vw0fGjnrqa

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) March 29, 2020

“We the states are trying to actively get every piece of PPE that we can. We’re bidding against one another, and in some cases the federal government is taking priority,” she said. 

Whitmer voiced similar concerns on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” telling host Chuck Todd that there’s not enough ventilators or personal protective equipment. 

“But we’ve got to keep working to get all of these other pieces of equipment and when we’re bidding against one another, it’s creating a lot of frustration and concern,” Whitmer said. “And that’s exactly what I was trying to convey … the same thing that’s been conveyed by others on both sides the aisle.”

She also urged the public to continue to practice social distancing and remain at home.  

“We’ve got to slow the spread and that’s why, you know, the stay-at-home orders asking people to do their part, — people need to understand the seriousness of this issue,” Whitmer said.