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Coronavirus Daily Update: July 31

July 31, 2020

Friday, July 31, 2020

Dear Constituent—

The coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.

These are incredibly stressful times for all Michiganders. I am working, along with my staff, around the clock, seven days a week to answer your questions, provide community resources and provide up-to-date, accurate information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office anytime by calling (810) 238-8627.

In Michigan, the last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid on July 25, 2020. Michigan's weekly unemployment benefit of up to $362 will continue for those eligible for state benefits. Eligible claimants should continue to certify as scheduled. More information can be found here.

Governor Whitmer signed two Executive Orders, which amend Michigan's Safe Start Order and issues revised workplace safeguards. Under the Safe Start Order, starting July 31, 2020, statewide indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people and bars will be closed for indoor service across the state, including in Regions 6 and 8. This would bring Regions 6 & 8 in line with the rest of the state's restrictions on social gatherings. More information can be found here.

The Governor signed Executive Order 2020-153, which strengthens her previous order requiring all Michiganders to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. More information can be found here.

The Governor has acted to ensure working families in Michigan have access to clean water for hand washing and sanitation by signing Executive Order 2020-144, which extends protections for Michigan residents who have had water service shut off through December 31, 2020. More information can be found here.

The Governor has extended Michigan's state of emergency until August 11. More information can be found here.

The Governor released the MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap, a comprehensive document to help districts create local plans for in-person learning in the fall. The Roadmap outlines safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor's MI Safe Start Plan. The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-142, which provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of PreK-12 education in the fall. More information can be found here.

The Governor launched a new, online dashboard that visually illustrates coronavirus risks and trends in Michigan, providing residents with important information about the pandemic status where they live and work. More information can be found here.

HOUSING AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE:

Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-134, creating the Eviction Diversion Program, which outlines a process for renters to get fast rental assistance or establish a manageable payment plan to help them stay in their homes. The program also includes assistance to landlords. Rental assistance under the Eviction Diversion Program will be also available. More information can be found here.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Deparment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have announced a new website to help renters and homeowners understand their housing assistance options. This includes information on mortgage and rental relief as well as resources for additional help that may be needed. More information can be found here.

On May 1, I introduced the Strengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and Students to expand unemployment insurance for American workers. This new legislation would address gaps in coverage for those who are willing and able to work, but who are unable to maintain employment due to the global public health crisis. For more information, visit here.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits: During the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment eligibility has been expanded to include those who are sick or caring for a family member as well as self-employed, contracted, and gig economy workers. Individuals should apply online at www.Michigan.gov/UIA or call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow a filing schedule based on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m. – 8 a.m). The UIA offers resources to help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be found here.

Governor Whitmer has expanded the state's workshare program. More information can be found here.

Unemployment Insurance Scam: On May 27, the UIA warned residents of attempts by criminals to file fake unemployment insurance claims. The U.S. Secret Service recently issued a national alert regarding an international criminal ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit largescale fraud against state unemployment programs. Because of this, some existing claimants may have received "Stop Payment" notices on their accounts and have been sent instructions on how to submit the additional information. More information can be found here.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert that offers to help with unemployment insurance claims on social media that are likely scams. More information can be found here.

Suitable Work and Refusal to Work: The UIA has issued guidance regarding "Suitable Work and Refusal of Work" for workers and employers. This guidance reminds employers of workplace safety laws and guidance related to COVID-19. Michigan allows individuals who are receiving unemployment benefits to refuse "suitable work" if they have a "good cause," this guidance expands good cause exemptions in light of COVID-19. More information can be found here.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE:

All registered voters in the state of Michigan have the right to vote by mail. More information can be found here.

Meijer, Kroger and other grocers that accept aluminum cans and plastic containers have reopened their bottle return services. More information can be found here.

Small Business Assistance: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced a grant program for small business that meet specific criteria and have experienced an income loss due to the coronavirus. Using money from the CARES Act, passed by Congress in March, these funds are distributed to economic development organizations throughout the state. These organizations will distribute funding to approved businesses. More information can be found here.

Personal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be found here.

Michigan's Virtual Food Bank: Seniors in need of food support can sign up for assistance, including meal delivery, delivery of non-perishable food items, and daily wellness-check calls, through the MDHHS coronavirus website, or by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be found here.

Flint Cares Help Centers: The city of Flint is offering resources and services including bottled water and food assistance. Services will continue to be provided from two semi-trailers staged in church parking lots across the city to distribute items directly to cars as residents drive through. For more information please call 810-410-2020 or visit here.

Map of Coronavirus Cases in Michigan: An up-to-date map of coronavirus cases in Michigan, provided by the Michigan State Police, can be viewed here.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

On May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Heroes Act. The Heroes Act includes a number of key policies I have advocated for, including additional direct payments to families and seniors, expanding unemployment insurance, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, and funding to prevent water shutoffs. More information can be found here.

On May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, the Recharge and Empower Local Innovation and Entrepreneurs Fund for Main Street Act (RELIEF for Main Street Act), with Reps. Evans (D-PA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Upton (R-MI). The bill creates a $50.5 billion Small Business Local Relief Program to provide direct federal support to cities, counties and states in order to seed and scale local relief funds and target small businesses with 20 employees or fewer, or with 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be found here.

Congress has also passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the CARES Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a website and app with a coronavirus screening tool and resources to help people protect their health. The website can be found here and the app can be accessed here.

More information regarding testing in Mid-Michigan, including an additional site announced for Tawas County, can be found here and here.

IRS UPDATE

Cancellation of Uncashed Economic Impact Payments: The IRS, the Bureau of Fiscal Service, and the Treasury have cancelled outstanding Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks issued to recipients who may not be eligible, including those who may be deceased. Treasury is encouraging financial institutions, individuals, and other check cashing entities to determine the status of EIP checks by using Treasury check verification tools. Information on returning improperly issued EIP checks can be found here.

New Information from IRS on Cash Payments: The IRS has finished distributing payments to all individuals for which the agency had information. Individuals that are owed additional payments can file and claim the additional money on their 2020 tax returns. This includes individuals for whom their situation changed in 2020, including the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a child in their foster care. If you believe you are eligible and would like to receive your payment this year, please reach out to my office at 810-238-8627.