State Rep. Rodney Wakeman, of Saginaw Township, today announced the governor has acted on key Republican proposals and is now allowing the sale of many goods and services, outdoor activities, boating, and traveling freely between residences and properties.

In the governor’s updated “Stay Home” order announced today, residents will now be able to purchase many items at the curbside and for delivery, something Wakeman has been fighting for to help Saginaw County families and get more people back to work.

“This shift in the governor’s approach is excellent news for the many local, small businesses in our communities that are hurting right now,” Wakeman said. “The easing of these restrictions also puts an end to the limitation of individual freedoms that were affected by the governor and her administration.”

Also included in the change allows people to travel between residences, including if they own secondary property. The new change will also allow people to use their boats, regardless if they have a motor or not. Rep. Wakeman said the updated “stay home” order still puts public safety and health first as efforts continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but makes much-needed adjustments to safely rejuvenate Michigan’s economy.

“While some of these restrictions should have never been issued to begin with, it’s at least refreshing to know the state is finally moving in a direction that simultaneously prioritizes public health and the economy,” Wakeman said. “I have been a strong advocate for this approach since the very beginning, and it’s nice to see the governor finally listening to the pleas of families in Saginaw County and across Michigan.”

House Republican lawmakers urged the governor to allow more employers to sell their products so long as they adhere to best health and safety standards. The curbside sale and delivery for all businesses was a recommendation included in their “Roadmap to Recovery” proposal announced earlier this week.

“This ends a major inequity that put our local, family-owned businesses at a huge disadvantage to big box chains,” Wakeman said. “Rather than thinking in terms of what is ‘essential’ or ‘non-essential,’ we will know be weighing what can be done safely. While more can be done, such as adopting the most current federal CISA guidelines and taking a regional approach to reopen Michigan, I am thankful the governor is listening to our recommendations. These are important changes that will benefit our great state and Michigan families moving forward.”

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