Here is an update for April 27.
Thought of the day: It might be stormy now, but rain doesn’t last forever.
Over the weekend, the Internal Revenue Service issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries with eligible children to act by May 5 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents so they can quickly receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payment. Their $1,200 payments will be issued soon and, in order to add the $500 per eligible child amount to these payments, the IRS needs the dependent information before the payments are issued. To act on this visit IRS.gov and fill out the relevant information in the “Non-filers tool.”
The Small Business Administration has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders. To learn how to apply and find a lender near you, visit here.
Today, we are releasing a letter that urges Congressional leadership to include strong worker safety guidance and standards in future coronavirus response legislation. We are in a transformative moment in time for workplace safety, and our laws and regulations must transform as well. Creating guidelines and a standard for workplace safety will give workers the peace of mind and companies a valuable and timely blueprint on how to either continue their essential operations or re-open facilities while protecting their workforce and communities. I am working closely with the Speaker and Rep. Bobby Scott of the House Committee on Education and Labor to ensure this happens and OSHA understand the necessity of this as a priority.
Last night 60 Minutes had this incredible piece highlighting the autos and how they’re stepping up to combat this invisible enemy. America's autoworkers are the best in the world. Answering the call and stepping up to give their all to combat this invisible enemy. We all need to do our part - whether it's staying home, producing critical equipment, or serving as a front-line worker. Thanks 60 Minutes and Norah O'Donnell for recognizing what makes Michigan strong. You can watch it below.
Building on that, much of my time has been spent in the manufacturing sector with the autos, suppliers and the UAW focused on workers and their public health and safety. Understanding the changes being made in the plants to keep them safe and making sure that everyone will understand and abide by new protocols. What has also become abundantly clear is that more and more PPE equipment is going to be needed not only in hospitals and for frontline workers, but also workers in other industries as the economy begins to start up. We are going to have to understand the significance of that need and ensure we develop a plan, including much more production in this country of critical equipment to protect all workers.
My next telephone town hall will be this 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.
