State Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) today announced the Michigan House Oversight Committee Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government will host small business owners Marlena Hackney, of Holland, and Karl Manke, of Owosso for testimony this Wednesday. Both business owners are expected to testify on their targeting by the attorney general’s office during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020-21. Hackney owns and operates Marlena’s Bistro & Pizzeria in Holland. Manke owns and operates Karl Manke’s Barber & Beauty Shop in Owosso. Both faced criminal charges for legally and freely operating their businesses even after the emergency powers for the lockdown order were ruled unconstitutional.

“Marlena and Karl are patriotic, law-abiding business owners who were trying to live the American dream and provide for their families,” said Rigas, who is chair of the subcommittee. “Even after the emergency orders were struck down as unconstitutional, they were persecuted for trying to survive and stay afloat. We want to know why.”

The subcommittee testimony is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23. For more information, please contact Rep. Angela Rigas at (517) 373-1403 or via email at [email protected].

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