news

Here is an update for April 14, 2020. 

Thought of the day: When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

My next telephone town hall will be tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15 at 5:30pm. Our guests this week will be Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General and Beaumont COO Carolyn Wilson. It is important to be available to you and why I do a weekly town hall. It is more important than ever for us to communicate. We want to reach everyone that is interested so please let us know you want to participate by signing up here.  This will ensure you receive a call to join. 

The state of Michigan is moving unemployment applications as quickly as possible. Michigan’s self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers affected by coronavirus can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). To apply, visitMichigan.gov/UIA and please follow guidance from the below for what days you should apply based off of your last name.  

Beginning Wednesday, the IRS expects that over 80 million Americans will begin to receive a direct deposit of the stimulus money required under the coronavirus relief package. If you do not receive the direct deposit on Wednesday, please visit www.IRS.gov and go to the “get your payment” section of the website. Once there you will be able to identify yourself with your 2018 or 2019 tax information, provide your direct deposit information, and within several days you will have the money deposited into your account. If you DO NOT normally file a tax return or your income is too little to file, you must visitwww.IRS.gov, and look for “Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here.” You will then be prompted to fill out the requested and relevant information.

The U.S. Postal Service and the mail service is among the industries hurting. Many are saying the USPS could run out of funding by June if nothing is done. The USPS is crucial for our country, key to small businesses and rural communities, the Census, and is the basis of a vote-by-mail system. House Democrats are working relentlessly to ensure the USPS has all the funding it needs.

NIH has also begun a study of antibodies which should give us more information as well. You can even volunteer for the study if you have not been tested or had symptoms. I have included the article here.

During this time, remember the Census is still going on and is a way for you to help shape our countries future. The Census decides funding for hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and small businesses. It takes only a minute to do. I did mine and it was easy, quick, and a way to take your mind off things. Go tohttp://my2020census.gov now to make sure you’re counted.

Good news yesterday from Ford. They’re expanding their efforts to design and produce urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for health care workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus. In addition to the current production of more than 3 million face shields in Plymouth, Mich., Ford-designed powered air-purifying respirator production began today. Ford also is now producing face masks and leading an effort to scale production of reusable gowns for health care workers. Lastly, Ford started providing manufacturing expertise to help scientific instrument provider Thermo Fisher Scientific quickly expand production of COVID-19 collection kits to test for the virus. This is all being done while they continue to make ventilators at the Flat Rock Assembly plant in the district. 

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, Call 2-1-1 or 734-287-7870 from within Michigan to connect with help of all kinds including food, housing, healthcare, and more.