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Here is an update for May 29th.

Thought of the day: “At any given moment you have the power to say: this is not how the story is going to end”  — Christine Mason Miller

Got back to Michigan last night from Washington. Our work continues to ensure people receive the relief they need.

The number of new cases across Michigan continues to fall. Yesterday confirmed 406 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 56,014. Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit announced the city is extending free COVID-19 testing to all residents of southeast Michigan. This is being done because the ratio of positive cases among suburban residents has surpassed those in Detroit. We are one region and the spread of the disease is all connected. Drive-thru tests will be conducted at the Michigan State Fairgrounds site in Detroit. All regional residents can call (313) 230-0505 to schedule an appointment.

Yesterday, the House voted on and passed legislation that would improve the Payroll Protection Program and help small businesses cope with the economic impacts of COVID-19. Every day we hear from small businesses who are struggling to get by. They need continued relief with making payroll for workers and staying in business as we begin the reopening process. The passed legislation would provide urgently-needed fixes to the PPP program so that the most vulnerable small businesses, especially minority, women- and veteran-owned businesses, have the flexibility to obtain the assistance they urgently need. Every small businesses owner deserves to have the piece in mind knowing they will have continued relief for as long as they need. If you want to learn more about the bill passed by the House, please visit here.

Michigan Secretary of State branch offices will begin to reopen, starting the week of June 1 – ONLY BY APPOINTMENT. This applies for all 131 branch offices in Michigan. They will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for services. Services include: Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person, title transfers, operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing, and seasonal commercial vehicle renewal. To schedule an appointment visit Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS-MICH. This is part of the gradual slow reopening process and requires everyone to follow safety protocol.
The Food and Drug Administration has worked with more than 400 test developers who have already submitted, or said they will be submitting, requests to the FDA for tests that detect the virus or antibodies to the virus. To date, the FDA has authorized 113 tests, which include 100 molecular tests, 12 antibody tests, and 1 antigen test. It’s important we continue to evaluate products on the market and ramp up our nation’s testing capability. Accurate testing matters. 

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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