Debbie's Blog - Dingell Update: June 18, 2020

Op-Ed

By Debbie Dingell

Here is an update for June 18th.

Thought of the day: "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." -- George Bernard Shaw.

Latest reports this morning of another 1.5 million new unemployment claims last week. Alarming, sad, and continuing concern. If you or anyone you know needs access to unemployment, please visit here. These numbers require action and support and is why we must extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program which adds $600/week to claims and is set to end July 31. The reality is we are likely to see the economic impacts of this virus for months. The House has passed the Heroes act which contains a provision that would extend the program and the Senate needs to act. With a strong possibility of a second wave of the virus, we must make sure we have a plan in place to help those in need.

Late last night, the House Judiciary Committee advanced the Justice in Policing Act. The bill will be considered by the House next week. 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.

Yesterday, Michigan reported 2 new COVID-19 deaths and 204 new COVID-19 cases. Michigan has done a good job with preventing the spread of the virus and is being recognized for the work that has been done. There's a group called COVID Act Now, which is made up of technologists, epidemiologists, health experts and public policy leaders, that has said Michigan is now in the lowest risk category. Michigan is now one of the only three states that's on track to contain COVID-19. That doesn't mean the virus is gone, but it means cases and deaths are declining. The Governor's leadership has saved lives.

Today, alongside Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. John Moolenaar and Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, we introduced a bill to reauthorize the Flint Registry. The Flint Registry was created in 2016 to help identify individuals (notably kids) exposed to the Flint water crisis and get them connected to community-based resources to improve their health and development. Lead poisoning has severe implications for childhood development. The bill we introduced would put real money behind address this crisis and ensure kids are able to continue receiving services so they don't backslide on the progress made.

Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on disparities in healthcare and COVID-19. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans make up 14 percent of the state's population, but account for 41 percent of coronavirus deaths. One point that was highlighted was the need to expand programs like Medicare and Medicaid and put in place strong workplace protections. COVID-19 did not create a health crisis, it exacerbated an existing one. In Michigan, we've seen this front and center. It's on us in Congress to do better and make sure your healthcare does not depend on your zip code or skin color.

At the end of the month, Governor Whitmer plans to announce the Return to School Roadmap. This will address health and safety standards that must be in place so our kids can return to school come fall. The rules will apply to both public and private schools. We are all optimistic that kids will be able to return to schools in the fall, but we must make sure our children, educators, and their families are able to remain safe.

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.

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