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Here is an update for May 12th.

Thought of the day: "I know what I have to do now, I've got to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?" - Tom Hanks.

Today beginning at 11:30 am, Blue Angels wills fly over the Metro Detroit area in solidarity with frontline worker. If you haven’t seen them before, you won’t want to miss them. They are simply amazing to see. Below is the flight pattern if you’re interested in watching. I too will do my best to see them. 
Didn't receive your stimulus check yet? The IRS has announced you have until noon this Wednesday to submit your bank information so the IRS can direct deposit your stimulus check. More info can be found here.

My next telephone town hall will be tomorrow at 5:30pm. 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.

Michigan hospitals and other healthcare providers on the frontlines received over $500 million in funds from the CARES package passed by Congress. Those on the frontlines need support and this money will ensure they have more resources available to help those most in need.

Yesterday we received word that the University of Michigan has received approximately $1 million in grants from the National Science Foundation to support rapid response research and other efforts to address coronavirus. Science and research are incredibly important at this time and will empower us to defeat this virus. We must always support science and it is great to see University of Michigan is helping lead these efforts. 

I want you all to know more about the people who are the actual members of Team Dingell. They have been working nonstop since this all began and I am deeply grateful to them for the compassion they show, the kindness they demonstrate  and the hard work that they do each day. I asked them to share their own thoughts about their experiences since COVID-19 began impacting our communities and will share them with you this week.

Keeping people together and communication are so critical during this time. My job day in and day out is to connect Mrs. Dingell with her constituents and make her available and a resource to help. In some ways my job hasn’t changed significantly – it’s just more important now than ever. We’ve put on our creative hats to find new ways to use technology to connect people. I’ve been in public service for over a decade because I want to help people, and I believe we all do better when we all do better. These past two months have renewed my dedication to public service and that our strength comes from the support and community around us. 
- Maggie, Communications Director, Washington Office

During this unprecedented time, Mrs. Dingell hasn’t stopped, so neither has her scheduler. I have been working to make sure Mrs. Dingell is still able to hear from constituents across our district by scheduling virtual meetings, tele-town halls, and webinars with local groups.  One of the things that has impacted me most during this time, is the idea that even though we are physically distancing we are still able to gather by phone, zoom, and facetime. As someone who lives alone, with most of my family back in Texas, the random calls and texts to check in mean so much to me. We will get through this together! 
- Elizabeth, Scheduler, Dearborn Office 

So what I have been doing since the quarantine and working been home is a lot of information gathering and passing. I have a steady amount of veterans casework trying to help veterans figure the status of their cases, helping with getting better understanding virtual appointments, and dealing with the VA pharmacy. I have also been doing a lot of information gathering for veterans, VA workers and national guard troops. Trying to answer questions from stimulus checks, benefits, and insurance. I feel bad when constituents call and I don’t know the answers to their questions but I defiantly work to find out the answers and pass the information along. What has impacted me most is the being locked down alone. I am a very social person and love being with friends. While still try to do so virtually it still doesn’t feel the same. 
- Andrew, Field Representative, Dearborn Office

Hello Michiganders of the 12th district! Throughout this pandemic, I have spent my days speaking on the phone with hundreds of you from all across the district. We have discussed your concerns and tackled some of your most pressing questions relating to unemployment, economic impact payments, and the policies that are being enacted during this challenging time. As an ever-evolving pandemic, it is imperative we stay on top of the information and ensure we are expeditiously communicating incoming updates with you. I have especially appreciated those who have shared their own inspirational stories of American strength, perseverance, and triumph. After living through defining moments such as the Great Depression, the polio epidemic, and World War II, the elders of our community have made it clear that the coronavirus pandemic will be another thread in the fabric of the American story. The conversations have exemplified that we are in this together, and it up to all of us to do our part. Stay safe!
- Meg, Staff Assistant, Washington Office

My main focus is staying connected with our Washtenaw County community leaders and residents. During COVID-19, it's important to be able to count on USPS, food security programs, and others, and my goal is to help maintain those channels. I've been overwhelmed by the conversations I'm having daily with people who are looking for ways to help and volunteer, have reached out to their neighbors and friends, and continue to do more. Their willingness to go above and beyond is inspiring and pushes me to be better. 
- Katie, Field Representative, Ypsilanti Office

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.