State Rep. Triston Cole today issued the following statement after Gov. Whitmer outlined details for reopening the state economy on Friday during an event with the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce:

“I’m glad the governor is finally starting to realize that a strategic, regional approach makes the most sense when it comes to re-engaging our economy. As I’ve said before, placing one-size-fits-all restrictions on the entire state unnecessarily hurts workers and job providers in areas that have not experienced high concentrations of COVID-19 cases. Data clearly shows this virus is far more concentrated in Metro Detroit than it is in Northern Michigan, and it’s hard to see why all areas of the state must be treated the same.

“COVID-19 has created both a public health crisis and an economic crisis in our state. Keeping people safe and healthy must always be the top priority – but keeping people working when the circumstances safely allow must also be a high priority. In the coming weeks, I hope the governor holds true to her word and makes smart adjustments that allow people in regions of the state far from the COVID-19 epicenter to return to work.”

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