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Here’s an update for Wednesday, April 1.
 
Thought of the day: We forget that waking up each day is the first thing we should be grateful for.

Remember, social distancing really means physical distancing. We need to stay connected by calling your friends and family, schedule a FaceTime happy hour with people from work, check in on an old friend, and continue to keep in touch.

With daily coronavirus updates and all levels of government activating new emergency response tools, it’s important we understand what it all means. Tonight 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. Joining will be Jeff Donofrio, Director Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom from Henry Ford Health System. Jeff will be able to talk about unemployment and other issues related to workers and Dr. Wisdom will help address COVID-19 issues in our community. If you would like to join, please call 855-920-0560 at 5:30 pm or sign up here to automatically receive a call to join.

Many people multiple times a day have asked me how much are in the stimulus checks and when will they receive them. Individuals making up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married workers) will receive payments of $1,200 with an additional $500 payment per minor child. The payments decrease in amount and stop altogether for single workers making more than $99,000 ($198,000 for married workers and $218,000 for a family of four.) These payments will be issued by the IRS via direct deposit and will be based on 2019 or 2018 tax return or 2019 Social Security statement. Congress is working with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to get these checks out as soon as possible, hopefully within three weeks. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

During this unprecedented time, Social Security has assured us that benefits will be paid on time – including via direct deposit and by mail payments. Now more than ever people must have access to their benefits. Social Security recipients are also eligible for direct payments under legislation recently passed by Congress. Please share this update with anyone you know who was worried about this. More here: www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

More announcements yesterday. Ford will begin to build respirators at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant. Proud that the 12th district continues to bring relief for doctors and nurses. President Trump announced they will send 250 beds for field hospitals in Michigan. This will help free up space in our hospitals. We will keep pushing for more. Michigan has become the next Ground 0. Hospitals are already starting to be overrun. We must be prepared.

So many companies are stepping up to help out. Chaco, the outdoor lifestyle footwear brand, said they will shift their focus of their Michigan Based ReChaco Factor from sandal repairs and product customization to begin the production of face masks and other PPE healthcare workers so desperately need. They’re working with Wolverine Worldwide to source fabric and materials for production. It matters that American companies and their workers are stepping up to pitch in and help.

Tonight at 8:00 pm after the telephone town hall, I’m going to step outside briefly, shine my flashlight and clap for the hospital staff. It’ll only be for one minute. You don’t need to be out long. Many of us are doing it and it is such a great way for us to show our appreciation. Hope you can join me in doing this. No April fools this year, just appreciation.

During these times when Michiganders must stay home, some may need a plan to ensure they remain safe. Advocates are available to help with safety planning and to explore options for individuals experiencing abuse at home. To speak with an advocate, call 800-799-7233.
 
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. Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.
 
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.