Moolenaar: Easing Restrictions on Gardening, Boating is Common Sense, Safe

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer removed some of the restrictions from her April 9 stay-at-home executive order.

The restrictions that were removed included prohibitions on the sale of gardening supplies at the stores that were already open selling other goods, and a prohibition on Michigan residents from safely operating motorized boats by themselves.

"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," said Congressman John Moolenaar. "Right now, 28 percent of Michigan residents are worried about putting food on their tables during this pandemic and now they can purchase garden seeds in stores and go fishing by themselves. Michiganders cherish the outdoors, and these commonsense changes will allow them to safely enjoy more time outside."

On April 13, Congressman Moolenaar joined his Republican colleagues in the state's congressional delegation in writing to Governor Whitmer and urging her to reduce restrictions on seed purchases and boat usage. The group sent another letter that same week requesting the restriction on seed purchases be removed so SNAP recipients could use their funds to buy seeds and grow nutritious food.

Similarly, a new survey of Michigan residents from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce this week showed that 28 percent of Michigan residents are concerned about being able to put food on the table during the Coronavirus crisis. The loosening of these restrictions will allow more Michigan residents to safely grow or catch food on their own.

"Everyone should continue to practice safe social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus and help our health care 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," said Congressman Moolenaar.