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Here is an update for July 21st.
 
Thought of the day: “The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.” ― Helen Keller
 
Yesterday, Michigan reported 489 new COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths. The daily number in the state and the entire country is continuing to climb with a nationwide increase of 55,896 new cases. This massive increase is beginning to leave labs overwhelmed and unable to process tests at a quick rate. It’s taking some regions up to a week to deliver results and is gravely impacting our ability to track the virus. The President has even begun to say how important it is for everyone to wear a mask and called it patriotic. We all have to be smart and do what’s best for our communities, loved ones, and neighbors.  
 
There was more positive news on the COVID-19 vaccine front. The potential vaccine, being developed by Oxford University alongside pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, produced a promising immune response in a large, early stage human trial. This is exactly what scientists and researchers say a potential vaccine should do — boost an immune response. We will follow these trials closely and provide an update when more news is made available. 
 
Senate inaction has been an issue that's hurt our country for the last 2 years. This time it will impact the livelihood of millions of American relying on unemployment to get by. People want to feel safe, not stress about their next meal & know there’s a safety net in place. On Friday, July 24th, the deadline to renew expanded unemployment benefits that add an extra $600 to weekly UI benefits will expire. Renewing these benefits were included in the Heroes Act passed by the House almost 2 months ago. itch McConnell announced the timeline for the Senate to draft their next aid package will come after the unemployment benefits expire. This means 1 in 5 Americans on unemployment will see their weekly income fall by 60% on average beginning in the final week of July. Unfortunately this may result in a terrible economic disaster. Action in Congress matters. The House has passed relief aid to help millions of people so we can prevent more hurting while the Senate has done nothing.
 
On Wednesday, the House will vote on the Great American Outdoors Act. The Great American Outdoors Act will provide permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund — this is something John Dingell helped create — and establish a program to protect our national parks and lands. This will help create jobs, protect the great outdoors and lands that so many of us rely on for an escape, and protect species so important to our ecosystems. 
 
I’m sure everyone saw that President Trump threatened to send federal law enforcement into cities across the nation, including Detroit. For almost two months, the hardworking men and women of Detroit have gathered peacefully to protest systemic racism and systemic inequality in our country. If the President really wants to help the people of Detroit and Michigan, he should urge the Senate to immediately pass the Heroes Act so families and individuals can receive COVID-19 relief. 

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.