INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana lawmaker is resigning over Gov. Eric Holcomb's COVID restrictions for the state.
Rep. Christy Stutzman, representing the eastern portion of Elkhart County, announced on Facebook that she would be stepping down effective Dec. 14 to focus on her family's business.
The Stutzman's were part of the purchase of Amish Acres, a tourist attraction that reopened under the name The Barns at Nappanee earlier this year.
"As the co-owner of a newly acquired business at the beginning of 2020, this year has been extremely difficult. We have lost key partners and staff and have been devastated by the mandatory restrictions put in place by the Governor and health departments," Stutzman said in a statement. "Now, with the recent round of new mandatory Covid-related restrictions issued by the Governor, with no input or approval from the members of the General Assembly, our businesses and family have been set back further and I will be required to devote even more attention to helping our business survive into next year."
Stutzman said they have worked hard and been creative in trying to keep the doors open at The Barns at Nappanee. She said she will now focus on her family and the business they are trying to salvage to save the jobs of the people they employ.
Her husband, Marlin Stutzman, was once a representative for Indiana's 3rd Congressional District.
13News reached out to Gov. Holcomb's office, which declined to issue any sort of response.
The Indiana GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer did release a statement reading:
"Just as small businesses across the state are facing challenges, I'm sorry to hear about the challenges COVID-19 has placed on Rep. Stuzman's family business. But I'm equally sorry to see her wrongly place blame on the Governor and health officials from across the state who are working hard daily to protect Hoosiers' lives and livelihoods. I wish Rep. Stuzman and her family the best, and we'll share more details when a caucus is set."
