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Here is an update for August 3rd.
 
Thought of the day: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
 
Yesterday, our country reported over 47,000 cases of COVID-19 and in Michigan we reported 426 new cases. Michigan is now 14th in the country for cases and 6th in the country for COVID-19 related deaths according to Johns Hopkins. Months ago, we were going between third and fourth in the country for most cases. Governor Whitmer has done a good job to get the virus more under control, but that doesn’t mean it is gone. Be smart, wear a mask, practice physical distancing, and do what’s best to help your community. 
 
Over the weekend, the additional $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit offered to workers impacted by COVID-19 expired. Michigan’s weekly unemployment benefit of up to $362 will continue for those eligible for state benefits. Our job in Congress is to help people. The House did that when we passed a bill months ago that would extend the $600 weekly unemployment benefits. My heart goes out to all the people who have now been impacted dearly because of Senate inaction. People need help. It’s urgent. WE NEED ACTION!
 
The Michigan Health and Human Services has announced there are openings for healthcare workers like RNs, CNAs, LPNs and others to support patients during this pandemic. You can explore the job portal at http://ConnectToCareJobs.com. 
 
Late Friday, we learned that Grace, the Michigan teen who was detained for not doing her online coursework, was released from detention. A Michigan Court of Appeals ordered for her release. This is great news, But we can’t forget Grace is just one case in our broken criminal justice system. Let this case shine a light and raise awareness of the work we still need to do.
 
Wanted to close out today’s update with a story about a young man named Dominic from Downriver who is on the Governor’s Return to School Advisory Council. School is meant for our children, which is why they must be involved in any decision on school reopening. I have no doubt that Dominic will make all of us Downriver proud and help ensure the right decision is made to keep everyone safe. You can read the full story here. 

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.