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Here is an update for June 10th. 
 
Thought of the day: “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” —  Maya Angelou
 
Today, the House Judiciary Committee is holding the first hearing on the Justice in Policing Act which is a proposed comprehensive approach to re-think law enforcement accountability, change the culture of law enforcement, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities. George Floyd’s brother will be one of the witnesses. Congress has a critical role to play to address this crisis of racial profiling and police brutality. You can watch the hearing here.

Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the relationship between frontline communities of color and low-income families and the disproportionate exposures to environmental pollution and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the hearing, I highlighted the need to ensure water affordability protections for households during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch part of the hearing here.

According to the CDC, one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash one’s hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Prior to this crisis, though, an estimated 15 million people in the United States had experienced a water shutoff, especially in communities with higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and people of color. COVID-19 did not create a water crisis, it exacerbated an existing one.  

Access to clean water is a basic human right and is necessary for proper hygiene and safety during a national emergency—especially a pandemic that requires us to stay in our homes. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2016, a nationwide assessment of water shutoffs for non-payment revealed that an estimated 15 million people in the United States experienced a water shutoff, a shocking 1 out of every 20 households. This is an important issue for all of us. 

Yesterday, Michigan confirmed 25 deaths related to COVID-19 and 108 new cases related to COVID-19. We say this every day, but we cannot forget the virus is still out there. Please wear your masks, try to keep physical distance, carry hand sanitizer, and wash your hands. Dr. Fauci is reminding us cases are starting to spike again.
 
The FDA continues to work around the clock with the NIH on antibody tests. They recently posted test performance data on four potential antibody test kits. Antibody tests are incredibly important and helps us track the virus and know who had the virus already. If we learn that you are immune from the virus once you have it, antibody tests could help us begin to put in place practices for herd immunity. You can read more about the FDA’s recent work on antibody test here.
 
As of June 6, the Federal government has distributed over half a billion pieces of PPE to Michigan. Types of PPE received include N95 Masks, surgical masks, eye and face shields, surgical gowns, and surgical gloves. This virus is still out there, lingering in the background. If we see a large spike of cases in the summer or Fall — which many health experts suspect may happen — we must be ready. Our healthcare workers have to be prepared. With cases going down, now is the time to continue to prepare so we’re ready for a second major wave.
 
Severe weather is expected across Southeast Michigan. Weather forecasters are saying this has been one of the most serious threats they have seen in years. Everyone here should be prepared, know where to go in case of a tornado, charge your devices, make sure your flashlights have batteries, have candles and just be prepared.

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.