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Here is an update for July 1st. 

Thought of the day: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” — Helen Keller

On Tuesday, Michigan reported 373 new COVID-19 cases. Nationally, new infections have topped 40,000 in four of the past five days and that number has surpassed the worst days of April. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is surging in seven states — Texas, Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia and California.

When Dr. Facui says something, we all must stop and listen. Yesterday, he said that at the current rate of new COVID-19 cases, we could see the number of cases double to 100,000 a day if current outbreaks are not contained. That means stay home. Dr. Fauci also said bars are not good and people should stop visiting them. Please, be smart, listen to Dr. Fauci and practice physical distancing. We are seeing a spike in cases.

Today, the House will consider an infrastructure package. This is bigger than just fixing our roads, bridges, and airports—it will mean a boost to future manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, transition our nation to a clean energy economy, and put us on track for robust future growth and ensure we remain globally competitive. I am proud to have a number of provisions included in the base bill that would 1) advance forward the development and production of electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure from coast to coast; 2) promote the latest technology to reduce drunk driving fatalities; 3) improve dams and hydropower facility operations nationwide; 4) promote and enhance our nation’s conservation efforts; and 5) create a clean energy and sustainability accelerator to leverage financing of clean, renewable energy and emissions reduction projects. 

Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released guidance on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. You can read it here. It’s important that any vaccine is effective and safe. If a vaccine is developed, millions of people will take it. To ensure that, it is essential that any vaccine has a trial size of at least 30,000 people and include a diverse population. There also must be full transparency during the vaccine trial and the FDA should track the health of those vaccinated for at least a year after vaccination to ensure we understand the long-term safety of the vaccine.

Governor Whitmer unveiled a plan for how Michigan's K-12 schools should reopen in the fall. Students and teachers will be required to wear masks most of the time except for eating. Desks are required to be spaced six feet apart in classrooms and all arranged facing the same direction toward the front of the classroom. Teachers will maintain six feet of spacing between themselves and students. Bathrooms and commonly visited/touched areas will also be cleaned every four hours. Also, even visitors and family members will not be allowed in the schools. It’s important to remember though, that this is all contingent on what phase of Michigan’s reopening plan. So please continue to wear your mask and practice physical distancing.

This week, we are highlighting the Five Washtenaw County High School students who have been named Young Citizens of the Year for 2020. Today we highlight Avont’e Browning. Avont’e has participated in a handful of leadership opportunities across Ypsilanti and programs that provide services to those in need. Avont’e has already done so much to help his community. We all can’t wait to see all he accomplishes. 

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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