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Here is an update for April 7, 2020
 
Thought of the day: Remember, it is physical distancing not social distancing.

Tomorrow night, we will host our weekly town hall, Wednesday, April 8th at 5:30 p.m. Joining me tomorrow night will be David Hecker, President of AFT of Michigan, Paula Herbart, President of Michigan Education Association and a teacher, as well as Dr. Pretti Malani, Chief Health Officer at University of Michigan Medicine and an infectious disease specialist. We will answer your questions on education, what resources are available to you from the school districts and federal, state and local governments and more. We host these town halls weekly to answer your questions, give you the latest information available and to just be here for you. It is more important than ever for us to communicate. You can sign up here to join us and a call will be made to you shortly before the town hall begins. You can share this information with your neighbors and friends.

Last night I joined WEMU for an hour call-in program with Lisa Barry. Lots of good questions. Many interviews these days and conversations on what the government is doing to keep people safe, stimulus checks, small business loans, masks and many more. We are told by Treasury that they plan to send out stimulus checks in the next two weeks. Also we get a lot of questions about what businesses can stay open. The Governor’s office has put out resources on what’s an essential job and what isn’t.

Sadly this week marks one year since the House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act and the Senate has yet to reauthorize it. Now with stay at home orders in place, victims are forced to stay inside with their abusers. It should have never gotten to this, the Senate could have acted a year ago. The Violence Against Women Act has always been reauthorized on a bipartisan manner. If you or anyone you know is affected by domestic violence and abuse and needs support, you can call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 225522. You are not alone. People are still here to help you.
 
This is a difficult time but what makes our state so great is our ability to help those most in need. We’re a community that’s in this together. Please share the stories of people in your community who are on the frontline keeping our communities together by working in the hospitals, grocery and drug stores, delivering goods or acting with kindness, compassion and humor. Whether they’re staying home or an essential worker, it all helps us defeat this invisible enemy. Tell your story here.
 
Attention Michiganders! It’s time to put your game face on. Join the Michigan Mask Challenge, make your best stay at home mask, and share it on social media using the hashtag #MiMaskChallenge. 
Here are some great examples!
 
My staff and I are here every day, seven days a week to help you. I have a great team and everyone is part of problem solving, answering questions and Team Dingell just wants to help. Call our office at 313-278-2936 or contact us through Facebook or our webpage.
 
New information becomes available every day. 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. Remember, 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, or 888-535-6136.