Few times in history have called for the kind of engaged, courageous leadership that today’s circumstances demand. People will look back on our response to COVID-19 and judge the work done by their community, business, and government leaders: Did we make the right, tough choices? Did we work without concern for political gain? Were we thoughtful and did our decisions make sense and have positive outcomes?

The governor has issued more than 30 executive orders in an effort to protect lives in this unprecedented time. We in the Legislature have worked with her to ensure these orders protect our constituents and address the greater good. And as we continue to react to COVID-19 and protect Michiganders, we must look realistically at the consequences of our decisions on livelihoods and businesses, including some of our critical seasonal industries. As Speaker Lee Chatfield has urged the governor: We need to look at activities through the lens of being safe vs. unsafe, rather than essential vs. non-essential. It is more practical, and will allow us to restart industries and parts of our economy responsibly.

I am speaking of landscape companies, nurseries, u-pick agricultural operations, some construction, golf courses and other businesses that don’t require customer contact – typically calling for employees to work in solitude or near-solitude in the outdoors. Riding on the back of a mower, delivering and setting mulch, planting trees and landscape elements, walking 18 holes, tending to plants in inventory, roofing a home, allowing customers to pick in groves and fields -- all of these can be done outdoors in relative solitude or, at a minimum, much further than 6 feet away from the next person.

We must give these seasonal businesses the chance to survive and free them of restrictions that don’t pertain to the way they operate. In doing so, we can provide some Michiganders with jobs and outdoor activities, and protect portions of our economy and the physical and mental wellbeing of our people.

These businesses have a short season in Michigan and a short opportunity for success. It makes sense to allow them to operate -- with proper precautions -- and to have a chance to stay afloat in 2020 and beyond. That’s what Ohio has done, and we should follow suit.

Many businesses will have opportunities beyond spring and summer to get back on their feet. Others will not survive the response to COVID-19 – and seasonal Michigan businesses may be at greater risk of falling into this category. We should allow them to operate now, with the necessary restrictions, to offer a glimmer of hope in our communities. And that – providing hope -- is an indication of vision and strength, and a responsibility of leadership.

Rep. Lynn Afendoulis is a Republican from Grand Rapids Township. She is chair of the House Tax Policy Committee