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Here is an update for April 9, 2020.
 
Thought of the day: John Dingell loved Winston Churchill. Today’s quote is in honor of both of them —  “If you're going through hell, keep going.” 
 
Last night I hosted my fifth town hall. It’s been busy times. Many themes and many different questions, but the main focus was education. People want to know what we’re doing about their children’s curriculum.  School districts are working on what’s called Continuity of Learning Plans that they hope to have ready soon. Our children won’t be forgotten, education will continue to be important. The question of online learning came up too. Lots of low income children don’t have access to internet or computers. Right now we’re working on ways to fix this. Hope to have news soon on it. Other questions about small business loans. The SBA has a resources page to answer your questions on how to apply for loans. Please share the link with anyone you know who has questions. 
 
Today witnessed unemployment numbers continuing to sky rocket. Too many are impacted. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is adding staff and hours to better serve an unprecedented increase in customers filing unemployment claims. The UIA has extended call center hours by an hour every day 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and it remains open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.  Customers in the call center and online chat queues before closing time will have their calls or chats resolved that day. If you need to apply for unemployment, visit here. People will get their checks!
 
We are continuing to work on the second CARES package while also attempting to supplement resources and programs in the first CARES Act. The Treasury Department is writing regulations on relief for small business. We are working to make it clearer, easy to understand, and more accessible. We had a conference call yesterday with the Vice President and Coronavirus Task Force. It was a useful briefing with particular attention on long-term care facilities and nursing homes. The Vice President asked every member to check on facilities in their districts which I have been doing for weeks. 

Here’s a project for the weekend. The Ann Arbor Art Center challenges everyone to use art to express thanks for essential service workers including doctors, nurses, grocers, pharmacists, sanitation workers, truckers, law enforcement, first responders, farmers, journalists, and many many more. Remember, “Not all heroes wear capes.” Put a sign in your yard or window. Create a card for them. Show them how much we appreciate them each and every day. Email your art challenge to artpix@annarborartcenter.org by Monday. 

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.