By Debbie Dingell Here is an update for June 22nd. Thought of the day: "The simple act of caring is heroic." -- Edward Albert On Sunday, Michigan reported three deaths related to COVID-19 and 146 new COVID-19 cases. Cases are declining and Michigan has been deemed one of the three states on track to contain COVID-19. Even though cases have declined, there's still a lot we must improve on before a potential second wave. One of those things is better care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. One-third of all COVID-19 deaths in Michigan occurred between residents and staff of the nursing homes across the state. We have 450 nursing homes in total. When COVID-19 first hit, many of these facilities were unprepared -- not enough PPE and quality of care requirements. There's two pieces of legislation I've worked on to address this. Both would put real money into nursing homes to help with quality of care and infection control. One of the bills would also promote home and community-based services and protect home health workers. Some of these provisions are in the Heroes Bill that passed the House and is now awaiting Senate action. Yes, the Senate needs to act. But you know what matters more than anything, seniors knowing someone cares about them. So as your new week begins, reach out to someone who needs a little compassion and kindness and needs to know someone cares. Later this week, I will return to Washington to vote on the Justice in Policing Act. This proposal would require significant reform. Among other things, it would mandate de-escalation training, ban chokeholds and other neck restraints, establish a national database to better track misconduct, and bring transparency and accountability to policing. All sides and parties must work together on this. That's how we will bring tangible and real reform that keeps our communities safe. The New York Times reported two new studies that came out on how Federal aid and support (The CARES Act) helped prevent a massive rise in poverty. However, there are still millions of Americans who are struggling. It's on Congress to continue to provide help and renew a lot of the safety net programs put in place are set to expire soon. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program which adds $600/week to claims and is set to end July 31 is just one example. This is why House Democrats are calling on the Senate to pass the Heroes Act -- it would reauthorize many of the safety net programs that have been put in place. This is about helping our friends, families, and loved ones. It's about having continued help to those who are still struggling. 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.

By Debbie Dingell Here is an update for June 20th. Thought of the day: "We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It's our basic human right." -- Aretha Franklin Disturbing to hear Line 5 through the Straits of Mackinac suffered significant damage to an anchor support and yesterday Governor Whitmer ordered the line shut down. This was the right move until we know the full extent of the damage, how it happened, and threats that remain. For years, I've been calling for a comprehensive economic and environmental study of Line 5. If the conditions of the pipes to be a significant risk to the environment and public health, the operations of Line 5 must be shut down. Spent the Juneteenth Holiday with students, families and communities gathering to celebrate. Today, I'll join NAACP Ann Arbor for their annual Juneteenth celebration as I have for many years. There will be other events around the 12th District including ones in Ypsilanti and Wyandotte as well. I will be speaking at a Local 8000 candlelight vigil event in Monroe this evening. We continue to call for justice and equality for all and stand against racism that still exists in our country today. I did a lot of listening and was energized and encouraged to keep going. There is hope. We all understand the challenge in very clear terms, and all of us have an obligation to support equality. Rite Aid has expanded COVID-19 testing capabilities nationwide including a drive-thru location in Ypsilanti. Using self-swab tests overseen by pharmacists, the site will operate Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm at 753 South Grove Street in Ypsilanti, MI. 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.

By Debbie Dingell Here is an update for June 19th -- Juneteenth. Thought of the day: "Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation." - Coretta Scott King Today is Juneteenth, a day to take time to study history, listen, see others perspectives and understand the challenges this country still faces in in freedom, liberty and justice for all. We need to remember the work of those that have gone before us -- those who have fought, sacrificed and given their life for freedom -- and recognize the critical need to continue their work as we are at a crossroads in this country. Today, I will join many in our community in recognizing Juneteenth and practicing our right to peacefully assemble. My hope for today is everyone exercises safety by wearing a mask, keeping distance, and washing hand or using hand sanitizer frequently -- and everyone recognizes each other's rights. Yesterday's Supreme Court decision on DACA gives certainty and relief for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers -- who came to our country as children and only know one home. These young people are Americans who contribute so many essential functions, pay taxes, serve in the military and are classmates, coworkers, neighbors and friends. They live each day with fear and uncertainty that without DACA protections they could be shipped away to a home they've never known. But our work is not over. Our country's immigration system is broken. We must commit to work in a bipartisan manner on comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, respects families, provides permanent protections for Dreamers and refugees under the TPS program, helps employers, and provides a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living and contributing to our country. Wayne County plans to offer $50 million in grants to small businesses. This money comes from the CARES Act passed by Congress, and is being administered by the county. At least 5,000 small businesses in Wayne County could receive grants up to $10,000. Applications open June 29, when more information is available on the application process I will share with you. Yesterday, I spoke with the Autism Alliance and their coalition of special education programs. The abrupt shift to schooling at home was tough on everyone, but presented new challenges for students with special education needs. Every student needs attention and equity in receiving a quality education. 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.