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Here is an update for July 13th. 

Thought of the day: “I have seen Americans making great and sincere sacrifices for the key common good and a hundred times I have noticed that, when needs be, they almost always gave each other faithful support.” -- Alexis de Tocqueville

COVID-19 cases. This is a decrease from the 653 cases that were reported on Saturday. Our numbers in this state are near 70,000 total cases since this began. We need to listen, take this seriously and do everything we can to not look like Florida or Texas.

Florida set the national record yesterday for the largest single-day increase in positive COVID-19 cases for any state. They added over 15,000 new cases. Four other states Arizona, California, Mississippi and Texas — also broke records for average daily fatalities in the last week. At least 3,290,000 cases and more than 132,000 deaths have been reported in the United States. Please wear your masks and be smart.

Last week, Governor Whitmer issued an executive order that you must wear a mask in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces or face a misdemeanor charge and could be fined up to $500. We see what has happened in other states with poor guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They’ve had a massive increase in cases. Please wear your mask and do your part. Health experts all agree it is one of the most effective ways for us to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The re-opening of schools is at the top of everyone’s mind. Decisions about going back to school must be made with the safety of children, teachers, and parents in mind and also how we make sure they continue to be educated. Tough, complex, difficult issues. We must take seriously the current increases in COVID-19 cases. The President and Department of Education should not be driving this but leaving it up to Governor’s, local officials, school officials, teachers and parents to determine what is best at the local level. Very difficult decisions must be reached and everyone needs to be at the table.

On Wednesday, July 15th from 6-7pm, join me and State Representative Donna Lasinksi for a Facebook live event on ways we can make broadband internet access available to all communities and ensure our children are able to access their online school plans online. We hope you can join us for this important discussion. RSVP below.
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.