news

Here’s an update for Tuesday, March 31.
 
Thought of the day: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” 

We know Southeast Michigan, and according to the White House, Detroit and Dearborn are hotspots right now. That means more than ever we must listen to the scientists and doctors and do all we can to stop the spread. For most of us that means staying home. We continue to talk to local hospitals, doctors and nurses and know their need for PPE. It is a nationwide problem. 

There was good news yesterday with the announcement from Ford, UAW, GE, and Airon. They’ll start to produce ventilators to meet the growing need. They say they’ll be able to produce 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days, and 30,000 per month after that. They will be making the ventilators at the Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan — home of the original Rosie’s and once again we will show our manufacturing strength. Ford is already producing face shields and will also ramp up production of face masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to be distributed locally and shipped nationwide to healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. GM and Chrysler are also stepping up. The arsenal of democracy is rallying again. Today, we are at war with an invisible enemy that is endangering our lives and livelihoods. During the War II, Rosies rose up with a ‘We Can Do It!’ attitude, today we do the same.

One of the issues we monitor on a regular basis is the Canadian border so that nurses from Canada are able to cross every day. Rumors started again they were tightening the border. Numerous calls were received, including from Governor and Mayor Duggan. They both watch this issue like hawks. Our Congressional delegation works in a very bipartisan way to ensure this does not become a problem. This issue has even been discussed with Prime Minister Trudeau by the White House. All senior officials understand the importance of that border and we were again reassured nothing was changing. Those nurses are critical to Michigan’s healthcare and every one of us should be so very grateful to them.

Clean up work at the McLouth Steel Site has been suspended temporarily. They’re reassessing this decision periodically and in the meantime following the governors order to stay at home. Safety must come first. 

Yesterday I received an email about all of us taking a moment on Wednesday, April 1 at 7pm to open our doors and clap for hospital staff. I’ll be doing it, hope you can too. They’re working so hard for all of us and putting their lives on the line. No April Fools this year, just appreciation.
 
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.