Moolenaar applauds Michigan governor for lifting certain COVID-19 restrictions

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) applauded recent action by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to remove certain restrictions from her April 9 stay-at-home executive order, including prohibitions on the sale of gardening supplies at open stores and for individuals operating motorized boats.

“I wrote to Governor Whitmer on behalf of my constituents asking her to do this and I am glad she agreed with Michigan residents across the state who want to be safe while spending time outside,” Rep. Moolenaar said on April 24.

Rep. Moolenaar earlier this month joined his GOP congressional colleagues in sending an April 13 letter to the governor urging her to reduce the restrictions on seed purchases and boat usage, following it up with another letter on April 14 requesting that Gov. Whitmer lift the restriction on seed purchases to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to use their funds to buy seeds and grow food.

Currently, 28 percent of Michigan residents are worried about putting food on their tables during the COVID-19 pandemic “and now they can purchase garden seeds in stores and go fishing by themselves,” said the congressman, noting that “Michiganders cherish the outdoors, and these commonsense changes will allow them to safely enjoy more time outside.”

Rep. Moolenaar also reminded everyone to continue practicing safe social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus and to help healthcare professionals save lives.

“The more we do to stay safe during this difficult period, the sooner the economy will be able to re-open in phases,” he said.