Debbie's Blog
Coronavirus update: April 11, 2020
Washington,
April 11, 2020
Here is an update for April 11, 2020.
Thought of the day: Still haven't decided where to go for Easter … the Living Room or the Bedroom… Governor Whitmer has lowered the flags to honor lives lost due to COVID-19. We have lost over 1200 Michiganders. Almost all of us know at least one person affected, and I have lost many close, trusted friends. Lowering the flags honors those we have lost and reminds us every life has a story. John loved history, and he fought to ensure we kept stories and artifacts so future generations could study and reflect on history. The coronavirus pandemic will be studied for a long time. It’s touched every area of our lives, homes, schools, workplaces, communities, and industry. The Michigan History center announced a new collecting initiative that gives residents the opportunity to share objects, archival materials, stories, and experiences. Starting right now, you can donate photos, videos, and audio files for consideration for preservation in the Archives of Michigan’s collection. Later they will collect physical objects and interviews. Michigan residents can learn more about the initiative at www.Michigan.gov/MHCStories. If you receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or your income level does not require you to file a tax return, then you need to submit information to the IRS to receive an Economic Impact Payment. More information and directions are available by clicking the link here: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here Even though it’s a holiday weekend for people of many faiths, Congress is still working hard to make sure the funds from the CARES Act get to people and small businesses that need relief. They can’t wait. Colleges and Universities in the 12th Congressional District will get more than $66 million from the federal government, with more than half of that going to students as emergency grants to pay for housing, food, and other basic essentials. Starting Monday, self-employed and other newly eligible workers can apply for unemployment. Also Monday, the additional $600 per week in federal benefits on top of benefits from the State of Michigan. We’ll have more details on that in the coming days. But if you or someone you know is having issues with unemployment, small business loans, or other matters please call our office at 313-278-2936. 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. |
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