![operation gridlock operation gridlock](https://rallylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Operation-Gridlock-Reopen-LA-6507.jpg)
Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and people across our state have had their livelihoods taken away from them and they're being told that they can't work, and take care of their family." "I think it's going to take a lot longer to re-open the economy than it took for the governor to shut it down. And I think that's wrong," said Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield. "We have to begin asking what activities are safe and unsafe, and we need to make that decision soon, because people across the state have had their livelihoods taken away, and they're being told that they can't work their jobs and take care of their families. State legislators say Governor Gretchen Whitmer shouldn't be focused on what is essential and what isn't. It's hurting us really bad," Hughey said. Hughey said he thinks his business will be able to bounce back, but he said it has been a tough time. Small business owners across the state say they are suffering from the stay-at-home order after being deemed non-essential. I realize how important this virus is, but now we're getting to the point where we're shutting too much stuff down," said Tom Hughey, a protester. I work at Ford Motor Company, and that shut down. "I have a small business, and she shut me down. They say the stay at home order is ruining their livelihood. Protesters told FOX 47 on Wednesday they're sick of living in lockdown and they want to get back to work.
![operation gridlock operation gridlock](https://creativedestructionmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EVqXoXAU8AEqv0q.jpg)
![operation gridlock operation gridlock](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8KTzGVKP4ok/maxresdefault.jpg)
LANSING, Mich. - Protest organizers called it "Operation Gridlock," their response to what they see as the governor unnecessarily placing a gridlock on Michigan's economy in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.