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Here is an update for April 30th. 

Thought of the day: Now is a time for straight talk and working together. There isn’t a playbook to follow. Let the scientists and doctors give us the facts.

Last night I hosted one of our regular telephone town halls on coronavirus to ensure we are communicating on the latest developments and to answer questions. I was joined by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Dr. Preeti N. Malani, Chief Health Officer at University of Michigan Medicine and an infectious disease specialist. Lots of questions on the impact of public  health issues in our communities. We also want to remind you of the importance to seek and learn information on COVID-19 from reputable health sources. The Michigan Health Website is a great place to start. My office is also here to help you with any and all issues. We’re here to work for you. Please contact us here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Reopening won’t be like flipping a switch. It is easier and safer to open some places with less difficulty such as construction companies. Governor Whitmer says she will sign an executive order to reopen both residential and commercial construction in the state by May 7 and intends to sign the order this Friday. This is the time to be smart and implement careful guidelines in place to protect the workers.

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. Every day I’m on the phone with Labor and the auto companies to discuss what this will look like. I’m working with Congressional Leadership and all other stake holders to make sure we get this right. Safety must come first. 

Yesterday Governor Whitmer announced a plan she’s going to work on with the state legislature to provide free college to all frontline workers. After WWII we offered a college education to those who put their lives on the line. Today we hope to continue in that spirit by offering Michigan frontline workers that same promise. Thank you Governor Whitmer for putting forward this idea and I'll work with her to make it a reality. We owe so much to those on the front lines. 
 
Gov. Whitmer announced the Michigan Childcare Relief Fund and it will have $100 million dollars to provide direct, non-competitive grants to child care providers. This is crucial for supporting our workers who are providing essential services. They’re giving us so much to keep our state going. The least we can do is help their children. 

Governor Whitmer also announced that she is expanding the state’s Workshare Program to allow employers to reduce employee hours to receive weekly unemployment insurance (UI) benefits as well as the additional $600 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) weekly benefit. Both benefits will be funded through federal dollars. Through July, the program can act as supplemental pay for critical infrastructure workers by allowing them to collect the extra $600 per week. 

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.