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Here is an update for June 27th. 

Thought of the day: “But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” ― Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Friday, Michigan reported 353 new COVID-19 cases. We keep saying it, but there’s been an uptick in cases. Yesterday, Dr. Tony Fauci said “For goodness sakes: avoid crowds, wear masks. Those are the fundamentals that -- when you look at the television clips, when you see pictures in the newspapers -- people are not doing that. That's a recipe for disaster..” PLEASE LISTEN TO DR. FAUCI.

The World Health Organization’s chief scientist said a potential British developed COVID-19 vaccine is the most advanced in terms of development. The name of the company creating the potential vaccine is AstraZeneca and they’ve already begun large-scale, mid-stage human trials of the vaccine. There are also potential American developed COVID-19 vaccines that will go enter the human trial stage next month. Will keep you updated as more is learned. 

On Friday, Governor Whitmer extended the state's ban on evictions until July 15 and announced a program to give $50 million in rent aid. This will ensure no Michigander will have to worry about losing their home during this pandemic. According to the order from Governor Whitmer, landlords will be able to get lump sum payments of up to 90% of rental debt through a new program if they allow tenants to stay in their homes, forgive late fees and up to 10% of the back rent.

COVID-19 has been tough on homeowners. The state has compiled information for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments in a publication available online. The state has also launched the MiMortgage Relief Partnership, a cooperative agreement between more than 230 banks, credit unions and mortgage servicers in Michigan to provide mortgage relief to homeowners experiencing a COVID-19 related financial hardship. Learn more about the MiMortgage Relief Partnership at Michigan.gov/MiMortgageRelief. 

Yesterday, I sent a letter to Facebook asking for clarification on the social media platform’s determination process for content moderation. A constituent showed me her Facebook account was wrongfully suspended after they posted about people wearing masks in public, while other violent threats about people having guns related to a protest were considered to meet their community standards for Facebook. Why does someone saying people will die because they aren’t wearing a mask earn them a week suspension from Facebook, but when someone talks about their guns in relation to a community gathering that does not violate anything. The rules are confusing, not transparent, incomprehensible and not consistent. There needs to clear, concise guidelines that everyone can understand why or why not they are appropriate. That is what Facebook must explain to all of us. Consistent community guidelines on a platform used by billions of people is essential for the integrity of our communities. 

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of rest, so we will be back on Monday with the daily update. Enjoy your weekend!

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.