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Here is an update for May 27th. 

Thought of the day: “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”– J.K. Rowling

Yesterday, Michigan reported 26 COVID-19 related deaths and 223 new cases of COVID-19. This was the 5th consecutive day where new cases fell below 500. Testing has continued to increase and is what will help us defeat this virus. We are not out of the woods and we still have work to do to defeat this virus.

Tonight at 5:30pm, I will hold a coronavirus telephone town hall to answer your questions on COVID-19. 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. Joining me will be Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, who will discuss unemployment benefits and what’s being done on workplace safety. We will also be joined by Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom from Henry Ford Health System to answer your questions on the virus. You can sign up below to join live, or listen in on my Facebook page.
Back in Washington today. Our work in Congress continues. Voting now is different, with proxy voting put in place to ensure there’s not too many Members of Congress in one location. Doing this is important for public health and allowing the work of Congress to continue.
The issues we are working on are strengthening the Paycheck Protection Program and balancing the protection our national security and our basic civil liberties. Both are important issues and very real for everyday, hardworking men and women. We will keep you updated on these votes. I also helped lead 112 bipartisan Members of Congress for the inclusion of robust clean-up provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 to address PFAS contamination. The issues we are working on don’t stop because of COVID-19. PFAS contamination hasn’t stopped hurting the people of Michigan because of the virus. Now more than ever people need access to clean water.

Yesterday, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order to make it easier to get a COVID-19 test. It will allow more health care providers, including pharmacists, nurses and physician's assistants, to perform or order COVID-19 tests. Anyone who exhibits any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, can qualify for a test. Symptoms include coughing, fever and shortness of breath; has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or who have COVID-19 symptoms; has been working outside their home for at least 10 days; lives in congregate care facilities, like homeless shelters, jails, migrant camps or long-term care facilities. Testing, testing, testing is what we need. It’s how we defeat this virus. 

Governor Whitmer announced 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits for the rest of the month. Eligible recipients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card this week and by May 31st. No Michigander should worry about how to put food on the table for themselves and their family.

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.

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