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Here is an update for July 24th. 
 
Thought of the day: “We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." — Charlotte Whitton
 
Yesterday, Michigan reported 699 new COVID-19 cases, which was the second-largest one-day increase in more than two months. Nationwide, there were over 70,000 new COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 is still raging across the country. Even the President has acknowledged that several times this week, which is a change in his tone from the last months. This virus is still very real.
 
Today, the House will vote on and pass an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2021. Where our country invests is important, which is why I pushed for more protections against PFAS contamination and investment in cleaning up PFAS. The contamination of PFAS chemicals in our waters, air, and soil remains an issue in Michigan and across our country. The inclusion of the amendments I pushed for in this year’s appropriations bill will help address PFAS contamination, but there’s still more we must do. That starts with the Senate taking up the House-passed PFAS Action Act.
 
Just yesterday, Michigan adopted some of the strictest and most comprehensive protections against PFAS contamination. This happened through working together and recognition by everyone of the critical threat posed by PFAS contamination. Once again, Michigan is leading the way in absence of federal leadership. These chemicals have been linked to liver disease, weakened immune systems, thyroid dysfunction, and several forms of cancer. 
 
On July 27, at 6:00pm you can join me and education leaders for a discussion on COVID-19 and school safety. Teachers, school staff, children, and families are all concerned about what the school year will look like in the fall. It’s important we have an open discussion on what school in the fall should look like and what steps everyone can take to ensure everyone feels safe. Click on the image below to RSVP. 
With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of up to $10,000 for the purchase of safety and health related equipment. This means equipment like PPE, sneeze guards, hand washing/hygiene stations, and even physical barriers like the ones you see at some restaurants. If you or someone you know would like to apply for this grant, please visit here. 

Tonight at 8:00pm, Detroit Public TV will replay a lecture by Congressman John Lewis from 2017 when he visited University of Michigan. I was there that night and watched John speak, how students, faculty, and everyone in attendance went silent and listened to his incredible life story. If you’re looking for something to do tonight, I cannot recommend enough that you tune in to watch.

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.