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Here is an update for April 24.
 
Thought of the Day: “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” – Lee Iacocca
 
Went to DC for the day where we passed an interim relief package to get more money to small businesses, hospitals, state and local governments and testing. It passed with a bipartisan overwhelming majority, which is how I hope we continue to proceed in addressing this crisis. This virus doesn’t discriminate. It’s not Republicans or Democrats being impacted by it and we have to work together to mitigate its damage and destroy it. Small businesses, frontline workers, hardworking men and women, hospitals and health systems all need support. 

The relief package we passed will strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program. It will receive $310 billion in additional funding with $30 billion reserved for community based lenders. Hospitals, health systems, and frontline healthcare workers will be provided an additional $75 billion. There will also be more PPE sent to those who need it. $25 billion will be provided in testing, which is the key that will allow us to re-open the economy and re-begin our lives. The more we test, the easier we track this virus and can work to keep people safe. If you have any questions on what this means for you, my office is here to help and can be contacted here. We are immediately proceeding on drafting Care II and know how important so many things are to many different people and we cannot stand by while our communities struggle.

Today Governor Whitmer issued an updated stay at home order through May 15th. The order still requires people to stay at home, bans public and private gatherings of any number of people who are not part of the same household and directs people to construe the order broadly to "prohibit in-person work that is not necessary to sustain or protect life. Everyone who can do so must wear a face cover of some sort when in an indoor public space. Workers who are allowed to resume operations include those in garden stores, nurseries, lawn care, pest control and landscaping operations, although they are subject to "enhanced social-distancing rules. The order now lists "boating" and "golfing" among the list of outdoor recreational activity that people can engage in outside of their homes. We all want things to get back to normal, but we have to stay home and stay smart. That’s how we defeat this virus. 
 
Governor Whitmer also issued an executive order extending and expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits to workers "who voluntarily left a job after accepting new employment but were unable to start their new position due to the pandemic. It also Allows anyone with an active unemployment claim to receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. To apply for unemployment, please visit here.
 
Michigan has launched the MiMortgage Relief Partnership to further ensure those experiencing financial difficulties don’t have to worry about losing their home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more here. 
 
My next telephone town hall will be this coming Wednesday. I do them every week and we will be joined this time by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist. It’s important we continue to do these during this unprecedented time and we provide you updates on the response the virus. It is more important than ever for us to communicate. We want to reach everyone that is interested so please let us know if you want to participate by signing up here. This will ensure you receive a call to join. 

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.