Landscapers, greenhouses and boaters now able to operate safely

State Representative Gary Howell (R-Deerfield Twp.) announced today that he is pleased to have worked with a number of constituents and the Lapeer County Farm Bureau to convince Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to revise her emergency orders. At the behest of Lapeer County residents who contacted him, Howell had hand delivered a strongly-worded letter to the Governor on April 9th, urging her to loosen restrictions on landscapers and greenhouses.

The revised order issued by the Governor on Friday allows lawn care professionals, landscapers, and greenhouses to operate safely. Howell, who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said he was also pleased to have the unnecessary restrictions on boaters eliminated so that citizens can enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors.

“It made no sense to prevent landscapers and greenhouses from operating while allowing big-box stores to remain open, selling the very same products,” Howell said. “This needlessly hurt small businesses and the local economies in Lapeer County and across Michigan. I am pleased that the Governor has decided to listen to common sense and change her stance on these burdensome orders.”

Howell pointed out the contradictory nature of the Governor’s original order in his letter, writing, in part, “I hope that you will agree with me that it makes little sense to kill off our small businesses while reinforcing the monopoly of big chain stores – which draw much larger crowds with a higher potential to spread the virus.”

Other changes the governor adopted as part of her revised order are for the curbside sale of goods and services, outdoor activities such as golfing and motorboating, and the ability to travel freely between residences.

“As we continue fighting this pandemic, the health of our families must continue to be our top priority,” Howell said. “At the same time, we must focus on taking any steps we can to safely keep our economy going. People need to be able to work and provide for their families. If a job can be done safely, we should be encouraging that, not stopping it.”