Debbie's Blog
Coronavirus Update: March 28, 2020
Dearborn, MI,
March 28, 2020
Here’s an update for Saturday, March 28.
Thought of the day: We each have a part to play. Healthcare workers are healing the infected. Essential workers are keeping us fed and producing protective gear. The rest of us need to STAY HOME and STOP THE SPREAD. Yesterday, the Congress passed and the President signed the third coronavirus response package. The bill increases unemployment benefits for the millions of workers who suddenly found themselves displaced, provides direct aid to healthcare institutions, boosts supplies of personal protective equipment and critical medical gear, and creates a large loan program for small businesses. The bill includes approximately $3.8 billion going directly to the State of Michigan and more gong directly to childcare and housing programs in our state. We are at war with an invisible enemy, and this bill strengthens the tools we have in our arsenal. This bill is going to get us there and if it’s not enough, we’re going to have to do more. We need to give people hope. We need to put stimulus into the economy. Every day, multiple times a day, people ask me how to apply for unemployment. If you or someone you know needs to sign up, visit www.Michigan.gov/UIA. Be patient and if possible visit the website during off-hours to decrease the load placed on the servers. The third coronavirus relief package includes an additional $600 per week on top of your base benefits. It also includes unemployment benefits for the self-employed and gig-economy workers. If you applied before and were denied but now are eligible, your benefits should automatically kick-in. If you have questions, call 866-500-0017 – again be patient. With daily coronavirus updates and all levels of government activating new emergency response tools, it’s important we understand what it all means. On Wednesday at 5:30pm, I will host my fourth telephone town hall to answer any questions you may have on steps being taken to keep you safe and financially secure. Sign up here. 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 Navigating Social Security Benefits School Based Food Service Interactive Map Food Banks and Kitchens in Michigan's 12th Congressional District 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. |
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