Debbie's Blog
Dingell Update: August 31
Washington,
August 31, 2020
Here is an update for August 31st. Thought of the day: "It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” – Jane Austen Michigan has now reached more than 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 6,748 deaths. These are a milestones no one wanted to reach. For our neighbors, our families, and our community we can’t afford another spike. Wear a mask, keep distance, and be safe. As the cases go up, the need for relief is even more dire. On Friday, a disabled man in Ann Arbor faced eviction with less than 24-hour notice after his healthcare agency had not kept up his lease payments. This is the human face of Senate inaction on the Heroes Act. It’s now been 107 days since the House passed extended eviction relief – as well as desperately needed support for struggling families and essential workers. It also included funds for testing and tracing measures, key support for frontline workers and strengthened assistance for the American people. The Senate must act. Today, I’m heading to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge for a tour. We must get this land and outdoor space open to the public as soon as possible. Before COVID, public lands were critical; now, they are essential. Giving Downriver and Southeast Michigan residents access to the refuge must happen soon. The FDA expanded emergency approval of remdesivir to treat all patients hospitalized with COVID – not just those with severe cases. The more we know about treatments will save lives. To be clear, remdesivir is only to be administered by medical professionals when they prescribe it for patients hospitalized with COVID – taking this intravenous drug does not prevent someone from getting COVID. FDA Commissioner Hahn also announced the process and review of possible vaccines will be as transparent and open as possible. The FDA scheduled an Advisory Committee meeting in late October to discuss the development of possible vaccines, but is prepared to quickly schedule additional meetings as needed. This Advisory Committee is critical to ensuring outside scientific and public health experts are included in the process to approve any possible vaccines. 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. Click here to be removed from this list. |
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