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Here’s an update for Monday, March 30.
 
Thought of the day: I thought Isaac Robinson was invincible. He was big, and tough and fearless and fought for the little guy anyway he could. I thought he could survive anything and the invisible enemy got him yesterday. God Bless You Isaac - God must have needed another rabble rouser in heaven. May your departing message save lives—COVID- 19 kills. Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. 

President Trump announced yesterday we will continue to physically distance until April 30th. This is a critical decision. Being physically alone for this long is hard. I know - I am living it. But we must listen to the experts, the scientists and the doctors and the reality is we must protect safety and health of our communities first before we can restart the economy. These are scary, challenging times but we will get through them.
 
Resources from the Coronavirus  Relief Packages which have been passed by Congress are now reaching Michigan. Unemployment is now widely available to Michiganders and small businesses can apply for disaster relief loans. Funds are going directly to our hospitals and PPE is becoming more available. We are working to ensure the hardworking people of Michigan are getting support. 
 
Many have reached out to me with questions about what’s considering an essential business, what can stay open, and what are my rights as a critical infrastructure employee. For example, a carwash is a non-essential business, but a pharmacy is essential. The Governor’s office and Attorney General’s Office put together a guidance that all businesses must follow, a resource on the rights for critical infrastructureemployees, and FAQs that’s useful. Following this guidance will flatten the curve and help people. 
 
It’s the little actions we take that will help us defeat this invisible enemy. Wash your hands, wipe down surfaces, put trash in trash bags. 
 
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.