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Here is an update for June 15th. 
 
Thought of the day: “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining.  You make progress by implementing ideas." – Shirley Chisholm
 
Many communities continued to gather over the weekend. People continue to come together in peaceful ways, calling for love to overcome hate. I heard those words often this weekend. I was reminded of Dr. King’s words: "At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.”
 
COVID-19 is not gone — the number of cases are going down for now, but health experts fear we could see another spike. Yesterday, Michigan reported 3 new deaths related to COVID-19 and 189 new COVID-19 cases. Michigan has averaged 157 new cases a day for the last week, compared with 272 new cases a day for the previous seven-day period. This is a positive trend, but we have to remember that many health experts believe this virus will come back in full swing after the summer and fear that the lack of wearing masks and keeping physical distance could impact its return far sooner.
 
The CDC released two new COVID-19 guidance documents. One is for individuals thinking about leaving the house to engage in activities like going to restaurants, nail salons, gyms, the bank, traveling, and hosting small gatherings like cookouts. The other lists considerations for event planners. Many of the guidelines are what we’ve been saying people should do when out — wear masks, maintain physical distance, and limit time of interactions. It’s important to know these guidelines are meant to supplement, not replace, any guidelines already put in place in Michigan.
 
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Everyone deserves to retire and age with dignity. Unfortunately for too many, that puts them at risk for physical, financial, emotional abuse and neglect. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe it has probably gotten even worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you know of someone dealing with elder abuse, you can report it by calling 855-444-3911. 
 
Earlier this morning, Paul Whelan, an American unjustly jailed in Russia, was sentenced to 16 years in prison on “spying charges.” These charges are unjust and the whole process was appalling. Russia had not presented any credible evidence to prove their outlandish charges, and they had refused to grant Paul his basic human rights or the ability to properly defend himself in court. Paul should not spend one more day in a Russian prison for crimes he did not commit. He should be allowed to return home to his family in Michigan immediately and get the medical care he needs. Our thoughts are with Paul and his family 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.