Debbie's Blog
Coronavirus update: March 29, 2020
Washington,
March 29, 2020
Here’s an update for Sunday, March 29.
Thought of the day: It’s Sunday, and remember this quote: “I never knew how strong I was until being strong was my only option.” Michigan saw action yesterday. The President declared Michigan a federal disaster zone which will bring more assistance. More supplies arrived yesterday from the Federal Government, more supplies arrived from businesses and we cannot and won’t stop working to get more. The Governor has ordered water turned on everywhere and no one will have theirs shut off. We are working to get mortgage and rent relief information out. People are delivering food to seniors, the disabled, those in need. Everyone is working together and remaining Michigan Strong. The Governor launched this great website that we can use to find out how we can help our local communities. Even in these unprecedented times, it’s incredible how Michiganders are coming together to address this crisis. Give blood, connect people to medical supplies, and assist public health officials in tracking infections. Visit www.Michigan.gov/fightcovid19 to help out. Many from the Greatest Generation and World War II Veterans are even more isolated now because of the coronavirus. They fought for us and now we must help them. If you know one of these beloved Americans, take the time to call them, talk to them, and ask them to share stories about their extraordinary lives. It can mean the world of difference. If you don’t know any, but still want to brighten one of their days. If you don’t know a World War II veteran personally, you can still help and leave a message through the Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s website here. This simple gesture can change the day and times for those who gave so much to our country. I want to warn people to be very careful of rumors, false information, fear mongering, and sale scams. The last 24 hours has seen a significant increase in them. Some people in my community, a neighbor I love we’re becoming panicked by untrue fliers and memos being circulated around. If something doesn’t seem right, worries you, please only go to official sites or call people like me. And don’t be taken in by false promises of people trying to seek you something. Use bonafide sites for sales and food delivery and remember to be grateful to those that are working. 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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