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Here is an update for May 7th. 

Thought of the day: “Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else."  Fred Rogers

Much conversation is now around the auto industry. The auto industry is much more than motor vehicles. It’s jobs for hardworking men and women, It remains the backbone of the American economy. We need to keep manufacturing in the US and we must make it strong again. Nine bipartisan members have come together to lead dozens of members in  looking at every possible avenue to help the autos during this time. They need certainty and assistance. There are ways for the federal government to do just that and help the hardworking men and women of the auto industry.

My office and I continue to hear from people struggling with their utilities. We continue to get these calls and the trouble paying is no fault of their own. If your job or income has been cut because of coronavirus, know there’s a lot of steps you can take to get help. The Michigan Public Service Commission has put together this great one pager that can be found here. 

Under a new rule, a provision that previously banned students from being eligible for food assistance unless they were working at least 20 hours in addition to going to school will no longer apply to students enrolled in career and technical education programs. Hunger for college students is always a problem, and during this time it’s gotten even worse. College students will be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if they meet certain requirements and are enrolled at least part-time in a program that leads to employment under the Perkins Postsecondary Career & Technical Education.

As we continue to flatten the curve, it’s important to allow people to have their continued right to conduct meetings, makes their voices heard, and ensure public officials continue to do their jobs. Yesterday, Governor Whitmer extended an executive order that allows public bodies to hold a public meeting remotely through June 30th. However, they must meet the following criteria when holding a public meeting electronically:

• Ensure two-way communication for members and the public to hear and address each other when speaking.

• Provide adequate notice to the public of the meeting.

• Post a public meeting notice on their website.

• Permit participants to record or broadcast the public meeting.

• Allow participants to address the public body during a public comment period.

The SBA announced that agricultural businesses are now eligible for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans as part of the PPP.  That portal reopened today for farmers and certain other ag businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and you can see those details HERE. 

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued additional Frequently Asked Questions to aid state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in response to COVID-19 and you can see those details HERE.

Since April 12, 40 flights carrying more than 35M FEMA-procured masks and respirators from the company 3M have landed in the U.S. FEMA, HHS, and other federal agencies are distributing cloth face coverings for critical infrastructure workers with more than 72M being processed and distributed to state and private entities.

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.