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Here is an update for April 8, 2020.
 
Thought of the day: "Crisis forces commonality of purpose on one another." Michelle Dean

Tonight, we will host our weekly town hall at 5:30 p.m. Joining me tonight will be David Hecker, President of AFT of Michigan; Paula Herbart, President of Michigan Education Association and a teacher; as well as Dr. Preeti 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 you will receive a call at about 5:30 pm tonight. You can share this information with your neighbors and friends.

Michiganders who lose a job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).Please share this important update.
    
Many people want to know when to expect their direct stimulus payments from the federal government. Starting mid-April (likely the week of April 13) the IRS is expected to make approximately 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit for people who used direct deposit on their 2018 or 2019 tax returns. This will include Social Security beneficiaries who filed federal tax returns that included direct deposit information.

Shortly after that (hopefully within 10 days) after the first round of payments are made in mid-April, the IRS plans to make a second round of payments. These payments will be made to Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 and receive their Social Security benefits via direct deposit. The estimates are that nearly 99 percent of Social Security beneficiaries who do not file a return receive their benefits through direct deposit. 

Approximately three weeks after the first round of payments are made (the week of May 4), the IRS is expected to begin issuing paper checks to individuals. The checks will be issued in reverse “adjusted gross income” order—starting with people with the lowest income first. If anyone has issues getting their payment, I’m here to help. Contact my office and we will work with you to fix the issue, (313) 278-2936.
 
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.
 
Making homemade masks is a great way to spend the time when you’re inside and to keep yourself safe when you have to go out to buy groceries and get your prescriptions. You can also donate masks you make! If you’re interested in donating handmade face masks, please contact the Michigan Community Service Commission at covid19donations@michigan.govor call 517-335-4925. 

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.