LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Dan Lauwers on Monday said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to allow more businesses in two northern regions of the state to reopen is a positive step, but it still unfairly restricts millions of Michigan families.
“Along with my Republican colleagues in the Legislature, I have been calling on the governor for weeks to adopt a more sensible approach to reopening Michigan’s economy,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Today it appears the governor has finally decided to abandon her irresponsible, one-size-fits-all tactic in favor of a regional plan.
“While the governor should be commended for this improved strategy, her delayed response has come at a great price as businesses are closing and unemployment is skyrocketing. In addition, there are still too many Michigan businesses and individuals being punished by too broad of an approach.”
On Monday, Whitmer announced partial reopening plans for businesses in the Upper Peninsula and 17 counties in Northern Michigan. Under the plan, retail stores and offices, restaurants and bars could reopen starting on Friday with capacity limits and safety requirements.
“Instead of a regional approach, the governor should institute a county-by-county approach to reopening the economy safely,” Lauwers said. “There are many counties, like Sanilac and Huron, far better off than some of the counties in Region 6 that are allowed to open. Unfortunately, St. Clair County has been lumped in with Wayne and Oakland counties, which will long affect the reopening of Region 1. It’s time to look at each individual county on its own merit.”
Submitted by the office of Senator Dan Lauwers
