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Here is an update for May 4th. 

Thought of the day: Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

These are critical moments for workers in this country and we need to re-think worker safety. It is a transformative moment for workplace safety, and in order for critical services to continue to be provided we need new worker standards. We cannot ask workers to make the impossible choice between not reporting to work and potentially losing their job or working in an unsafe environment, risking exposure to this deadly virus. Creating guidelines and a standard for workplace safety will give workers a peace of mind and give businesses the blueprint on how to either continue their essential operations or re-open facilities while protecting their workforce and communities to the normal. Workers will also have to follow new protocols, including not coming to work if sick or running a temperature, keeping physical distance and wearing masks when indicated. With workplace standards in place, the sooner we will get things back to normal and ensure our critical infrastructure can help us defeat this virus.
  
Water is a human right. At a time when people need to stay home and keep washing their hands and cleaning, every family must have access to running water in their homes. We need a comprehensive federal ban on water shut offs. Congresswoman Tlaib and I continue working on this to have it contained in the second CARES package. People can’t worry about losing access to water.
 
I was sorry to hear my good friend Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly Jr. and his wife had experienced COVID-19 but grateful they are doing ok. It is one more example that ANYONE get can the virus. During his recovery Jack said he was focused on the spirit of his community. These words never spoke more true and reminds us of what we are — a community. That means doing what’s best for the common good, staying home and staying safe, practicing good hygiene, and looking out for one another. 

One of my main focuses continues to be how we help seniors in nursing homes. We need to ensure every person in a nursing home knows their life matters, we care and there is a reason to live. I’ve introduced legislation that will provide resources to nursing homes. Read this great article in the Huffington Post on steps we can take to keep our nursing homes safe. 
 
Today marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week and yesterday marked the start of Public Service Recognition Week. Public employees are keeping our communities safe and providing essential services to all of us. Teachers at a moment’s notice shifted an entire years curriculum to online so our children can continue their education. If you know a teacher or a public servant, reach out to them today. Let them know how thankful we are for them, how important they are, and that they’re appreciated. During this time it can make a world of difference.  

This video from former President George W. Bush touched me yesterday. Please no shots of partisanship. It is time we come together as Americans. And remember Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

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.