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Here is an update for June 2nd. 

Thought of the day: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” – John Lewis

Dr. King taught us “riots are the language of the unheard.” Yesterday, I joined Survivors Speak in Ann Arbor to listen, talk, and engage in what it means to be black in America. We are at a crossroads in our country and there is real anger, anxiety, frustration, discrimination, discord in our communities. As Speaker Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said yesterday, “Together, we must insist on the truth that America must do much more to live up to its promise: the promise of liberty and justice for all....”

Yesterday, Governor Whitmer announced she is partially lifting the stay home order. The state is moving to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. This will allow restaurants and bars to reopen on June 8th for dine-in service with restrictions. Businesses are allowed to service customers inside their shops without an appointment beginning June 4th. Office work that is not capable of being performed remotely is allowed to resume. Effective immediately, groups of 100 or less are allowed gather outdoors with social distancing. And in-home services, including house cleaning services, can resume operations. The governor and her team have been following the data and believe this is a gradual step we can now take. No one wants to move backwards, but if we see a spike we may have to. Remember, stay smart and stay safe. And if you can, get tested.

Today, Governor Whitmer will testify virtually before the Energy and Commerce Committee on the state’s response to COVID-19. I will be introducing her and look forward to her briefing the Committee on actions she has taken over the last three months. Her leadership has helped keep us safe and has served as an example for the entire county on what an effective response to COVID-19 should look like.

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services announced they ordered all auto insurers in Michigan to issue refunds or premium waivers to Michiganders as a result of insurance companies’ reduced risk due to extreme reductions in driving. With Michiganders staying home, it means a lot less people have been driving. This order from the state will provide much needed financial relief. You can visit Michigan.gov/autoinsurance for more details.

Low income Michiganders are eligible to receive economic impact payments. If you do not have a regular tax-filing requirement, you can use the free, online tool Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to quickly and easily register to receive their payment. There is also a Spanish language version of the tool available. The Non-Filers tool is for married couples with incomes below $24,400 or single people with income below $12,200. This includes couples and individuals who are homeless. If you need assistance, you can call 800-919-9835. 

Each day we need to remember to celebrate and cannot forget to celebrate the good in our communities. Today, I want to say Happy Birthday to Lucille Grewes, one of the original Rosie the Riveters, who turns 108 years young today. The Rosies’ represented a time in our history when during great conflict, all Americans joined together as one. That can do spirit is one we must continue to have today.
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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