news

Here’s an update for Friday, April 3.
 
Thought of the day: Henry Ford said it best, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

Governor Whitmer made the difficult but necessary decision to close school facilities for the remainder of the school year. Coronavirus is an unprecedented threat to our communities and we must do whatever it takes to keep our community, children, and families safe. There are still many questions, but we will work together and figure them out together.

The Michigan based “Arsenal of health” delivered more PPE! Yesterday Fiat Chrysler delivered half a million face masks to the State of Michigan Emergency Operations Center in Wayne and Oakland counties where they will be distributed for hospitals and first responders including fire and police.
 
We’ve seen tough news for unemployment. Michigan ranks 4th in the country for unemployment. Sadly most of us know someone whose lost their job because of this virus. Please make sure they know they can file for unemployment. Now more than ever we need to make sure people are being extended a helping hand. www.michigan.gov/uia
 
We continue to hear from many small businesses who are worried and don’t know where to turn. Beginning today small businesses and non-profits can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. If you or someone you know runs a small business, please let them know the Small Business Administration is here to help them with grants and loans, paycheck protections, and guidance. Visit the SBA website here to learn more.

Michigan is 3rd in the country for coronavirus related deaths. Now more than ever we need to stay inside and prevent the spread. We know its tough to do and hard to stay inside. When you have to go out in public to buy groceries or pick up prescriptions, it’s a good idea to wear homemade masks or bandanas and scarves. They can be incredibly helpful when you’re out of the home and will help us stop the spread. We need to save the surgical masks for medical workers.
 
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and I sent a letter to the Transportation Administration to safeguard DTW airport employees health and wellbeing. A TSA worker at DTW tested positive for COVID-19 and there’s been other direct reports from workers of unsafe working conditions they’re facing. We want to make sure TSA workers are safe and have access to hazard pay. They too are incredibly important at this moment in time.
 
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.