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Dingell Update: December 11, 2020

Here is an update for December 11.

Thought of the Day: “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” – Kahlil Gibran

On Thursday, Michigan reported 5,937 new cases of COVID-19 and 182 new deaths, bringing the Michigan’s total case count to 412,137 and deaths to 10,395. Michigan’s daily case average is 6,258 and daily deaths has risen to 123. Nearly 4,000 Michiganders were hospitalized with the virus as of yesterday, and over 107,000 nationwide. These numbers should be a stark reminder for all of us the kind of devastating impact this virus is having in Michigan and across the country.

Cases remain high, though Michigan health officials have expressed “cautious optimism” in some recent positive trends in reports. We need to keep listening to the experts and following the guidelines. Wearing a mask, keeping your physical distance, and washing your hands regularly, have been proven time and time again to be the most effective methods to slow the spread. We’ve all got to do this so we can crush this virus, get people back to work, and work on the economy.

Yesterday, the FDA Vaccine Advisory Panel, a group of experts that makes recommendations to the FDA, voted to recommend the agency grant emergency use authorization to Pfizer for their vaccine. The FDA must now formally approve emergency use, but that is expected to come quickly. Governor Whitmer plans to prioritize vaccinating vulnerable populations, like frontline workers and nursing home residents, first. Until you have been fully vaccinated, following COVID guidelines is the best way to slow the spread.

Jobless claims have spiked again in the US. Last week, another 853,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment. A new COVID relief package is not optional, we have got to do it. I’m continuing to push all sides to get this done. A number of different paths forward have been proposed, including options with strong bipartisan support, but they are being blocked in the Senate by Leader McConnell. Americans are demanding relief, and we must deliver!

As Congressional leadership continue negotiations on COVID relief, the House continued its work for Americans.

Some of what we passed this week includes:

  • National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) –This year, the NDAA includes a pay raise for servicemembers; requires members of federal law enforcement, Armed Forces, or the National Guard to visibly display their name and agency when responding to a civil disturbance; and works to rename military bases named after anyone who voluntarily served in the Confederacy.
  • Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) –This year’s WRDA authorized critical infrastructure improvements to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project that will keep our water safe and protect our precious resources.
  • Continuing Appropriations –The House passed a Continuing Resolution, which funds the government until December 18thto prevent a government shutdown. Negotiators on both sides of the Capitol are continuing to negotiate a long-term funding package. It is critical we do not allow the government to shutdown in the middle of a pandemic.
  • Medical Marijuana Research Act –My legislation to remove barriers to marijuana medical research passed the House with bipartisan support. For too long, we have been prevented from understanding the physical and mental health impact of marijuana.
  • Rosalynn Smith Carter Mental Health Resolution– Legislation I introduced with Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia honoring the extensive work of former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter in mental health passed the House. We are all better for Mrs. Carter’s tireless work and her legacy.

Stay safe, Michigan! And, as always, wear a mask, keep your physical distance, and wash those hands!

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.

P.S. Michigan has added new FREE testing sites for those who need to be tested.

  1. Washtenaw County will be offering free COVID testing at a pop-up site at Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) (2780 E Clark Road, Ypsilanti), tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please pre-register athttps://honumg.info/ycua
  2. ACCESS Community Health and Research Center (6450 Maple Street, Dearborn) will offer free mobile COVID testing every Tuesday, from 1-5 p.m. Tests will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis, though you may pre-register by texting “UPG Cares” to 48355.

Find more locations near you, by visiting https://www.solvhealth.com/search?cobrandedSrpLocation=MI

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

Arabic language resources مصادر اللغة العربية
• عزل COVID-19 والحجر الصحي
• صحيفة وقائع COVID-19
• COVID-19 ما تحتاج إلى معرفته عن
• اغسل يديك
 
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.

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