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Here is an update for April 20.

Thought of the day: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher

We all want to re-open the economy, get back to work, but we have to do it in a way that keeps us safe and saves lives. Many factors will go into gradually re-opening our communities, but for us to get there, we need more testing. Our state has the capacity to double or triple the testing we’re doing, but we need the supplies. We need to work with the Administration to make sure we have the resources we need to conduct them. Many of us are working on these issues. Without proper testing, it will take longer to get things back to normal.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has developed new resources to help Michigan workers certify their unemployment claims. Under federal law, unemployed workers must certify that they are still unemployed two weeks after their initial claim is approved and every two weeks after. Once the claim is certified, benefit payments are disbursed. Claimants can certify their claim by visiting Michigan.gov/UIA and signing into their MiWAM account. The UIA also released a video tutorial on certifying claims that can be found here. 

Congress is working to update the Paycheck Protection Program. We are working around the clock to get money to small businesses that desperately need these dollars. I know how scared, anxious, worried and raw people are. I know we have to help them and there is so much fear about their health, their families and their economics. And I think public officials need to share all the information we can, to be as transparent as possible, provide you with the facts and be transparent on all fronts, fight to help every single person and small business, do case work and help people fight the bureaucracy that I myself want to pound my head against the wall on.

I want you to understand what I do each day, the challenges, the realities. But that I won’t stop, give up or accept the unacceptable. This is why I am never off the phone.

Team Dingell is here seven days a week and wants to listen and help. It isn’t as smooth as we want on some issues, but we will never stop fighting for you. 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.