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Here is an update for April 26. 

Thought of the day: When all else fails, turn up the music and dance a little!  

Not many updates today, but some thoughts on this gloomy Sunday morning. It's Sunday, so it’s a day of rest.

We need more tests to reopen the government. The most recent interim relief package we passed will do just that. We are seeing the number of cases slowly decline but the danger is those numbers could go right back up. We’re not in the clear. Testing, testing, testing is what will get us there. Continuing to work around the clock to make sure Michigan has all the tests they need. We still need to stay inside, wear face masks when we must go out, and keep our physical distance.

Coronavirus has raised serious concerns for workers safety. We can't ask workers to make the impossible choice between missing work and potentially losing their job or working in an unsafe environment. We need workplace guidelines and standards that put workers first now.

Every business, small restaurant, big restaurant, store is rethinking how do they conduct business in a safe way when they reopen. A small store I shop at in Ann Arbor sent pictures of clothes to consider buying online and when I responded they sent me pictures they thought I might like. Dresses, heels, and things I use to care about are not on my radar screen, they may be gone forever for me. Clothes mean less to me as does how I look. Clothes shopping is simply not the front of mind. But this made me think about how will we buy food, run errands, pick up prescriptions, how we will eat at restaurants, participate in Michigan football games and Tiger baseball, have coffee with the boys at Starbucks, are my roots real forever. Everything will need distance standards. Standards are being developed, new protocols implemented, routines upside down.

My next telephone town hall will be this coming Wednesday. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist will join to discuss the latest order and answer your important questions. 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.