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Here is an update for April 15, 2020

Thought of the day: Put a smile on your face, laugh a little. We are going to get through this. 

Join me tonight at 5:30pm for a telephone town hall. Our guests this week are health experts and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who has been working hard against price-gouging and other important consumer protections. 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. 

Millions who are laid off or furloughed can still access their health insurance through COBRA. But it comes with a catch because the costs are incredibly high. This is a real problem we’re working to address. Yesterday I led the introduction of a bill to allow laid off workers to stay on their health insurance at no extra cost & keep millions insured. Learn more about this important bill here.

Governor Whitmer has done a fantastic job leading our state through this crisis. She is listening to the health experts, enforcing stay at home orders that are tough but the right thing to do. A leader is judged by how they react in times of difficulty. Governor Whitmer has proven time and time again she’s a strong leader. 

Any day, the IRS expects that over 80 million Americans will begin to receive their stimulus money – starting with people who used direct deposit for their 2018 or 2019 tax returns. Starting 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 should 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 visit www.IRS.gov, and look for “Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here.” You will then be prompted to fill out the requested and relevant information.

Today was supposed to be Tax Day, but it got moved to July 15th for both Federal and Michigan income taxes. This will give you three additional months to file and pay your Federal and state taxes without a penalty. Share this update with anyone you know stressing over paying or filing their taxes. Remember though, the sooner you file your taxes, the sooner you will get your coronavirus stimulus payment if you qualify for one.  

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.