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Here is an update for August 14th.

Thought of the day: "Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." - Og Mandino

On Thursday, Michigan reported 1,121 new cases of COID-19, the highest number since May 14. That’s considerably above the previous seven-day average of 652 new cases a day. We need to pay attention. We all do. Yes, I am out. But I wear my mask. As an example, I was at an event with other elected leaders yesterday and I did not take my mask off to speak. I listen to the Governor and mask up. If we don’t want to be forced to stay home, we have to listen to the experts.

Yesterday, there was a major announcement on plans to develop an autonomous vehicle corridor from Detroit to Ann Arbor. The corridor will have a dedicated lane that will travel through Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, emphasizing Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, including the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Dearborn. This is major for the auto industry as it transitions to the mobility industry. his has long been a dream of mine -- using the best of Michigan’s technology, grit, and innovation to build a first of its kind autonomous vehicle corridor. This is essential if we are to stay on the cutting edge of technology and innovation and create and keep jobs here at home.

There was a saddening report that came out of the CDC, citing that one in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 say they've considered suicide in the past month because of the pandemic, The report also said there’s an increase of substance abuse and anxiety. This new data is something that has been worrying so many of us. If you or anyone you know is struggling during this time, please know there are hotlines out there. You can call the Michigan Stay Well Counseling via the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136. Press "8" to talk to a Michigan Stay Well counselor. This hotline is available 24/7. 

Today we celebrate 85 years of Social Security, a promise of economic security and dignity for every American after a lifetime of hard work. John Dingell, Sr. was one of the original authors of Social Security and stood with President Roosevelt as he signed it into law 85 years ago today. Social security is vital to millions of seniors and their families and now, more than ever is the time to build upon Social Security, not undercut it's funding and leave Seniors frightened and uncertain about their economic future.

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.