news

Here’s an update for Tuesday, March 24.
 
Thought of the day: Stay inside. Stay inside. Stay inside. 
 
We have a public health crisis. Period, it cannot be ignored, it’s not going away. It’s killing people. Its real and it is a threat to every last one of us.

Speaker Pelosi introduced a third coronavirus relief package to ensure healthcare workers get the equipment they need and patients can afford testing and treatment. I know negotiations continued throughout the night and it is my hope there will be an agreement yet today. This third phase also puts money into the pockets of hard-working Americans, expands sick leave and unemployment compensation, and supports small businesses. There’s also many provisions in the package that I ensured were included to help the people of Michigan. The provisions include: support to protect the health and well-being of seniors, people with disabilities and the front-line workers and family caregivers; to prevent water shutoffs; to reduce the cost of COBRA health insurance coverage for workers laid off; and to support the auto industry and suppliers impacted by the effects of the virus.
 
Ford announced today that they will begin to make medical equipment and protective gear for healthcare workers and Chrysler announced they will start producing face masks. Nurses and doctors have said they’ve begun to run out of masks and other gear so this announcement is urgently needed. We must do everything possible to halt the shortages. We must make sure this is done right to protect the hard-working men and women going into these plants so we don’t make matters worse. 
 
New information becomes available everyday. Below is a list of resources and information that can be helpful during this time. Please share this information with your family, friends, and colleagues.
 
Coronavirus information

File for unemployment

Small Businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans
 
School Based Food Service Interactive Map
 
Food Banks and Kitchens in Michigan's 12th Congressional District
 
Unfortunately there’s still a lot of misinformation out there on coronavirus. This can be as dangerous as the virus and puts people at risk. FEMA has put together a list of what’s true and what’s not about coronavirus. Please share this resource with friends, family, and colleagues.

Wednesday at 5:00pm I’m hosting my third telephone town hall. I will remain available, even under these circumstances. We all need to understand what’s being done to help us get through this crisis.Sign up here.
 
Please everyone stay inside, it will save lives. Listen to scientists. It’s hard for me too, I love being out and talking to people. We have a personal responsibility to protect others more vulnerable in our community. So stay home, read that book you’ve been looking at, clean your home, and stay safe. We must do this together. 

Contact numbers for people looking for information are:
• Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
• Michigan.gov/coronavirus, Call 2-1-1 or 734-287-7870 from within Michigan to connect with help of all kinds including food, housing, healthcare, and more.