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Here is an update for May 13th.

Thought of the day: “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Number of cases in our state continues to drop. 13 days in a row we have reported fewer than 1,000 new cases. This shows a decrease in positive cases and means we have begun to flatten the curve. We’re not out of the woods and we all still need to stay home though. But there is some positivity with all that’s been going on. 

Tonight at 5:30pm, I will hold a coronavirus telephone town hall to answer your questions on coronavirus. As our state enters new phases for reopening, it’s important to know what those steps look like, what’s being done to keep everyone safe, and legislation being worked on to provide relief. You can sign up here to join live, or listen in on my facebook page. 

We received news that Michigan will receive $315,183,795 to increase testing capacity. This money comes from the CARES Act that was passed in March. Testing, testing, testing is what will allow us to slowly get things back to normal. 

House Democrats unveiled the Heroes Act, which is a new coronavirus relief package that will meet the challenge of this pandemic. I fought hard to include provisions in this bill to cover water shut-offs, home and community based care for seniors and people with disabilities, help to pay COBRA health care coverage for people laid off their jobs, and strengthening domestic manufacturing. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to address the needs of the hardworking men and women of this country.  Below are details on some key provisions in the $3 trillion package.

Honoring our heroes by providing nearly $1 trillion to state, local, territorial and tribal governments who desperately need funds to pay vital workers like first responders, health workers, and teachers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs. If the Heroes Act becomes law, Michigan would see approximately $13 billion and another $1 billion for counties and cities in the 12th Congressional District.

Support small businesses and nonprofits by strengthening the Payroll Protection Program to ensure that it reaches underserved communities, nonprofits of all sizes and types, and responds flexibly to small businesses by providing $10 billion for Covid-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Support for the Violence Against Women Act and programs that prevent domestic violence. The Heroes Act will provide millions of dollars to help protect survivors and support programs in place to prevent domestic violence. 

Preserve health coverage, by protecting Americans losing their employer-provided health insurance with COBRA subsidies to maintain their coverage and creating a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for uninsured Americans. This is another provision I led alongside my colleague Congressman Bobby Scott. Healthcare is a right and during this time those who lost their jobs must know they will still have access to health insurance.  

Help nursing homes and community living services during the COVID-19 emergency with a multi-billion dollar increase in home and community-based services and long-term care services.  This will result in an increased pay for home health workers and improve assistive technology for those in need. This is a provision I led and worked tirelessly to ensure it was included. Our seniors can’t feel like they’re forgotten. 

OSHA standards which ensures worker safety, by equipping OSHA to issue a strong, enforceable standard within seven days to require all workplaces to develop and implement infection control plans based on CDC expertise, and prevents employers from retaliating against workers who report infection control problems.

Tonight I will travel back to Washington for a committee hearing on Thursday on Federal efforts to improve upon and further protect scientific integrity. We will then vote on Friday on the Heroes Act and issues that ensure we can start meeting in Congress more in other ways. For the hearing, one of the panelists we will hear from his Rick Bright. His name might sound familiar. He was a government virologist who says he was removed from his job for putting science over politics. Science during this time is what’s leading us. It’s what allows us to combat this virus in a smart and proactive way. All work we do to address this virus must be guided by this principle.

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.

Greetings Michigan Residents! In the early days of the outbreak when the world was flooded with so much uncertainty, my main focus was advocating for the repatriation of several families in our community who found themselves in challenging situations abroad. And there was no better feeling than knowing our office played a vital role in their safe return. But, my focus also extends to overseeing all casework inquiries to help resolve and assist in addressing constituent concerns remaining a responsive and supportive resource. COVID- 19 has changed the world and left us with a new norm, but no matter the impact of this new normal,  I have been searching for the silver lining and I’m finding solace in knowing that I am not alone, we are all in this together. 
- Jannine, Director of Constituent Services, Dearborn Office

I recognize that this is one of the most challenging times for our communities and now more than ever it is important to support our people. A large portion of my recent work has gone to serving as a liaison for local organizations to connect and assist with people's needs. These organizations support our seniors and provide food assistance to families who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.
- Lamar, Field Representative, Ypsilanti Office 

Though these times seem scary, they have made me more hopeful. It really has been amazing to see Team Dingell work so tirelessly to address the challenges caused by this pandemic. My time has been spent working with constituents daily to ensure that they have been heard by Mrs. Dingell and our office at large. I have staffed our tele-town halls and have been able to speak with some of you directly. It has been rewarding for me to listen to individual stories and make the correct connection so that we are able assist people in any way possible. During my free time, I have connected virtually with my family who are all New Yorkers, been volunteering at a food bank that safely packages essential supplies and gets them to people that are at higher-risk, and have been raising money for a hospice house that offers healthcare services to people living with advanced HIV and terminal cancer. Working for Mrs. Dingell has compelled me to be better and try harder every day. Please stay safe and know that we are here for you. You are not alone even if you physically feel it at this time.
- Bobby, Scheduler, Washington Office

In addition to staying connected with community leaders and organizations, my main focus during COVID-19 has been helping constituents with IRS and Unemployment issues. Social distancing and inability to attend events have been strange, but also beneficial. I’ve noticed conversations with individuals have become more meaningful and insightful. Moreover, these valuable conversations have educated me on the impacts of Covid-19 to our mental wellness and the importance of maintain a healthy mindset. This experience has also taught me about myself. Personally, I’ve realized that I need to build better mental health practices in my life including taking more time to connect with family and friends.
- Ahmad, Field Representative, Dearborn Office

Helping constituents navigate the SBA loans and grants has been my top priority during this time. Working with our legislative team to take the challenges and issues people encountered during the application process to affect change with upcoming bills is very important. We have to make sure with each new bill we are thinking of the long term effects on the small business community and how we continue to support them even, as businesses slowly reopen. The best part of my day is when a business owner tells me their PPP or EIDL money hit their bank account. Our team is working tirelessly to help solve the problems our constituents are facing and making sure people have what they need to get through this difficult time.
- Kelly, District Director, Dearborn 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.