{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-30", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 30", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 30, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401221", "Huizenga Celebrates Completion of $6.6 Million Great Lakes Restoration Project in Muskegon, $2.9 Million Project in Detroit", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement after the EPA announced the completion of a $6.6 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Project in Muskegon as well as the completion of a $2.9 million project on the Detroit Riverwalk.\r\nThe Ryerson Creek Outfall is a 12-acre site located on the shores of Muskegon Lake that has been contaminated with petroleum, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This GLRI funded project successfully dredged 10,600 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, removed over 2,000 tons of mill debris, and covered a two-acre area with clean sand.Along the Detroit River, EPA dredged approximately 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment just downstream of the MacArthur Bridge that leads to Belle Isle. The EPA then isolated and stabilized the contaminated sediment with a cap made of clean material.\r\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to successfully rehabilitate areas impacted by legacy pollution, said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. Today's announcement by the EPA marks another critical step forward in the efforts to restore Muskegon Lake and the Detroit riverfront. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has played a leading role in strengthening the ecology as well as the economy of communities across Michigan. The continued recovery of Muskegon Lake and the Detroit Riverwalk is not only great news for Muskegon and Detroit, it is great news for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region.\r\nThis is another great example of how effective this agency has been following the priorities of this Administration the completion of these Great Lakes Legacy Act projects demonstrate that when federal, state, local, and industry partners work together collaboratively, we can solve complex environmental problems and get the job done, said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. These cleanups in the Muskegon Lake and Detroit River AOCs will significantly advance our efforts to restore water quality in these two important waterways.\r\nIn August, Grand Valley State University released new research detailing how efforts to restore Muskegon Lake through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative have led to $27.9 million in additional recreational spending per year, increased property values by $7.9 million, and increased the total number of visits to Muskegon Lake by 11%. Overall, the GVSU study found that restoring Muskegon Lake has led to a 4% increase in recreational spending in Muskegon County. This study was conducted prior to the successful clean up at the Ryerson Creek Outfall.\r\nIn addition to the Grand Valley State University Study, a 2018 study by the University of Michigan found that every $1 invested from the GLRI between 2010 and 2016 will generate $3.35 in additional economic activity through 2036. In cities such as Detroit and Buffalo that investment will yield a return of over $4 for every $1 invested according to the U of M Study.\r\nThe EPA provided $4.3 million through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) provided $1.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions for the cleanup of Muskegon Lake. This successful cleanup of legacy pollution utilizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative follows the removal of 50,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment in 2018 from the former Zephyr Oil Refinery in Muskegon Township.\r\nThe $2.9 million Detroit Riverwalk cleanup was funded through the GLRI's cost-sharing partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRFC). DRFC covered the sediment cap with stone rip rap, which stabilized an aging seawall and provided geophysical support for the future Detroit Riverwalk extension, which will connect Mt. Elliott and Gabriel Richards parks. EPA also collaborated with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, EGLE, and the City of Detroit to complete this project.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-29", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 29", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 29, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401220", "Huizenga Discusses Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga Discussing Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility  \r\n  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke in a Facebook Live conversation with constituents across West Michigan to explain his support for our men and women in uniform. In the live video, Congressman Huizenga also explains why he did not support an additional $464 billion in COVID relief because he believes those dollars should be offset by reductions in federal spending. The video is embedded below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-28", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 28", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 28, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-2000-direct-payments", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on $2,000 Direct Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While the coronavirus relief bill becoming law is welcome news, President Trump's delay in signing held up vital assistance, including $600 direct payments and unemployment benefits to millions of Americans. The president's inaction made an already stressful holiday season worse for Michigan families and small businesses.\nI strongly support $2,000 direct payments to Americans. Democrats have consistently pushed for higher payments, but Republicans have for months opposed larger stimulus checks. As millions of Americans this holiday season struggle to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head, Congress must do more to provide relief. Democrats and President Trump support $2,000 direct paymentsnow Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell must allow for a vote on this relief immediately.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-votes-override-president-trump-s-veto-approve-2000", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Votes to Override President Trumps Veto; Approve $2,000 Economic Impact Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to override President Donald Trump's reckless veto of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, as well as the passage of H.R. 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020, legislation that would increase the economic impact payments authorized by the new COVID-19 stimulus package from $600 to $2,000 per person.\nFollowing four years of chaos, the House of Representatives convened to respond to President Trump's latest erratic whim by voting to override his remarkably dangerous veto of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), said Rep. Lawrence. For nearly six consecutive decades, Congress has passed the NDAA to strengthen our national security and provide for the heroic men and women who have and continue to serve this country. Even though this year's iteration passed in veto-proof margins in both chambers, President Trump vetoed the legislation because he is more concerned with defending deceased Confederate generals and continuing his ongoing feud with Twitter rather than providing our service members with a pay raise, giving paid parental leave for thousands of federal employees, and investing in our cybersecurity, mere days after possibly the largest cyber-attack in our nation's history. Today, I was proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reaffirm that our national security and service members are more important than President Trump's unrelated, petty grievances.\nLast week, in a bipartisan manner, Congress passed our annual government funding legislation combined with another COVID-19 stimulus package, Rep. Lawrence continued. Instead of promptly signing that legislation into law, President Trump's cruel decision to wait several days allowed federal unemployment provisions to expire, causing further hardships on millions of Americans. However, for once, I do agree with something President Trump saidthe economic impact payments authorized by this stimulus package should be substantially more than $600 per person. To address the financial hardships facing too many Americans, the House acted to provide meaningful assistance as our country continues to grapple with surging case totals and too many tragic deaths. Now that the House has promptly acted to increase the economic impact payments to $2,000 per person, I urge President Trump to work with Senate Republicans to swiftly follow suit.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-27", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 27", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, December 27, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-26", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 26", "2020-12-26", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saturday, December 26, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-25", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 25", "2020-12-25", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 25, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be foundhere.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversionThe Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-kildee-initiative-help-low-income-families-water-bills-passed-congress", "New Kildee Initiative to Help Low-Income Families With Water Bills Passed Congress", "2020-12-25", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced a new federal programto help low-income families pay their water bills and reduce their water utility rates.\nAs part of the recent coronavirus relief package passed by Congress, Kildee was able to secure $638 million in federal funding to create a newprogram, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to provide grants to states and tribes and help ratepayers. The Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program will provide much-needed relief to low-income families that pay a high proportion of their household income on water utility services.\nThis new program comes as the country continues to face a health and economic crisis, where families have struggled to pay their water bills. Even before the pandemic, manycommunitiesincluding Flintfaced high water rates and lacked access to clean and affordable water.A recent survey of the 500 largest water systems in the country found that on average, Flint residents paid about $864 a year for water service  nearly double the national average.\nEvery family should have access to clean, affordable drinking water, especially during a pandemic. In Congress, I fought to create this new program to help provide direct relief to families facing high water bills, Congressman Kildee said. My hometown of Flint knows all too well the consequences of failing to invest in our water infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water. Families in Flint and across the country deserve relief from high water bills.\nCongressman Kildee has been a strong advocate for investing and improving Michigan's water infrastructure. During the coronavirus pandemic, Congressman Kildeewrote a lettertocongressional leaders urging that any legislative relief packages to contain the spread of the coronavirus must include relief for Americans facing high water bills and water shutoffs. Previously, in 2019, he introduced landmark legislation, theWater Justice Act, which would invest $250 billion in water safety, affordability, and sustainability.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-24", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 24", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 24, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be found here.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversion The Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-23", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 23", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 23, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn December 21, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. More information can be found here.\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updatedversion The Heroes Act. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-stabenow-peters-announce-45-million-flint-registry-year-end-legislative", "Kildee, Stabenow, Peters Announce $4.5 Million for Flint Registry in Year-End Legislative Package", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus,along with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI),today announced $4.5 million in federal funding for the Flint Lead Registry as a part of year-end appropriations legislation, commonly referred to as the omnibus bill.\nTheFlint Registrywas created and funded by Congress in 2016 in the wake of the city's water crisis. The Flint Registry is a community-based effort to identify individuals exposed to lead during the Flint water crisis and improve their health and development through connections to health care and other resources. To date, theFlintRegistryhas enrolled over 10,500 people and completed over 13,500 referrals. Referrals have connected Flint families to critical services like health care, nutrition, early education, lead elimination and more.\nFunding for the Flint Registry was set to run out on July 30, 2021. While theU.S. House passed legislation in Julyto fund the Flint Registry, the bill was not taken up in the U.S. Senate. Subsequently, Congressman Kildee, Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters worked to include funding for the Flint Registry in must-pass appropriations bills to ensure continued funding.\nThe Flint Registry plays a critical role in Flint's recovery from the water crisis by connecting families to the services they need to minimize the impact of lead on their health, said Congressman Kildee. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to fund the Flint Registry.This important public health program is critical for Flint families, especially during the ongoing pandemic.I remain committed to working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to maintain support for this program for many years to come. It is my hope that President Trump signs this bill into law right away.\nThe Flint Registry isalreadyconnecting Flint residents to the services they needand together we have made sure this important work will continue.Through no fault of their own Flint families and children have endured far too much, and theydeserve nothing less than to be atoppriority.I will not stop until theyhave the health care services and resources,they needto address the long-term effects of lead exposure,said Senator Stabenow.\nThe Flint Registry is a proven success and has connected Flint families with the lifelong access to health, educational and social services needed as a result of their lead exposure, said Senator Peters. I am pleased that we were able to secure continued federal support for the Flint Registry. Flint is resilient, and I'll keep working to ensure families in Flint have the resources needed to thrive.\nI am thankful for Congressman Kildee along with Senators Stabenow and Peters for their strong support for the Flint Registry, said Dr. MonaHanna-Attisha. This federal funding will allow the Registry to continue helping the people of Flint access critical services that support their recovery from the water crisis.\nI got my oldest daughter enrolled into the Flint Registry and she was able to get health insurance she didn't know she was eligible for, said Flint resident Maelores Collins. The Registry has helped my entire family and I have been connected with them for the past two years.\nCongressman Kildee has been committed to protecting Flint families that have been affected by the water crisis. In December 2016,Congress passed $170 million in federal aid,championed by Congressman Kildee, directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis, including the resources for the Flint Registry. President Obama signed the Flint aid package into law on December 16, 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401219", "Huizenga, Kildee Lead Bipartisan Letter in Support of Michigan Blueberry Growers and Fair Trade", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) sent a bipartisan letter to the International Trade Commission (ITC) Chairman Jason Kearns on behalf of hardworking Michigan blueberry growers and their families. Currently, the ITC is conducting a section 201 investigation regarding the importation of blueberries into the United States. If the ITC concludes that increased imports are causing serious injury to domestic growers, the President can then take actions to prioritize American blueberry growers.\r\nOver the last five years, blueberry imports from foreign countries have soared by an astonishing 62%. As these imports have increased, the price of blueberries has fallen to devastating lows and caused economic harm to growers, processors, and family farms across Michigan. Congressman Huizenga has been a leading voice in the fight to level the playing field for Michigan specialty crop growers, farmers, and agricultural producers. Joining Reps. Huizenga and Kildee in support of Michigan blueberry growers are U.S. Representatives Fred Upton, Debbie Dingell, John Moolenaar, Brenda Lawrence, Tim Walberg, and Jack Bergman. \r\nA PDF copy of the letter to the ITC is available here. The text of the letter is available below. \r\nDear Chairman Kearns:\r\nWe write today, as representatives of a leading blueberry producing state, in support of the Commission's ongoing Section 201 investigation regarding fresh, chilled, and frozen blueberries. The Michigan blueberry industry has a long history of being an international leader in blueberry production and quality, supporting hundreds of family farms and having a substantial impact on the state's economy. Unfortunately, local growers and processors are facing devastating consequences as a result of the surge in blueberry imports, strategically timed and priced to devastate and disrupt the domestic market. \r\nMichigan produces nearly 100 million pounds of blueberries annually on more than 20,000 acres. Whether they are shipped to the fresh market, frozen, pureed, or concentered, the industry contributes nearly $130 million to our state's economy. However, it has become clear that family farms are facing undue hardship as a result of the recent influx of imports. \r\nRecent data shows that U.S. imports of blueberries have increased significantly over the last 15 years. Over the last five years alone, blueberry imports have surged by over 62 percent from 423 million pounds in 2015 to 684 million pounds in 2019. The value of these imports has more than doubled since 2014, with five countries accounting for more than 98 percent of total imports over that time period. Since 2014, value of these imports from Peru have increased by over 3,500 percent and imports from Mexico have increased by nearly 300 percent. Imports from Canada and Chile also increased in value during this time. Considering the significant quantities of blueberry imports from multiple countries; a global safeguard investigation is a logical step to analyze the effect of imports from all countries and to gain a complete understanding of this global situation.\r\nAs these imports have increased, the price of blueberries has fallen to devastating lows and caused economic harm to growers, processors, and businesses in Michigan. Workers have been laid off and grower profits have declined or vanished as prices have plummeted and blueberries have been left on bushes because it is uneconomic to harvest. This hardship is threatening the livelihoods of Michigan family farmers, causing economic harm to providers of packing and freezing services, and damaging our economy at a community driven level. It is evident to us that the massive amounts of blueberries surging into the U.S. are crippling the domestic industry.\r\nThank you for your efforts to investigate these increased imports and the serious injury that they have caused farmers in Michigan. We urge you to consider duly all relevant information as you make your determination regarding the effects of increased blueberry imports on American families, growers, and processors, and provide relief to the domestic blueberry industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-22", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 22", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 22, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-epa-lead-and-copper-rule-announcement", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule Announcement", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Trump administration's new Lead and Copper Rule fails to protect public health. I have long advocated that the Lead and Copper Rule is outdated and needs to be updated. But today's rule allows millions of toxic lead pipes to remain in the ground. Sadly, it will do nothing to stop the next Flint water crisis from happening in other communities across the country.\nInstead of taking bold steps to produce a new rule that is based on science, this rule is based merely on convenience. Doctors and experts tell us there is no safe level of lead. Yet this new rule allows high levels of lead in drinking water.The Trump administration's new rule actually allows toxic lead pipes to remain in operation, even after they are identified and there are high levels of lead in the water, for up to three decades. Simply put, this new rule is too weak to protect the health of the American people.\nThe Flint water crisis should have taught policymakers at all levels of government that we must get serious about removing lead from our water systems. In Congress, I successfully secured $170 million to help Flint be able to replace all of its lead service lines. But the Trump administration's weak Lead and Copper Rule leaves millions of families vulnerable to lead exposure in their drinking water.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401218", "Huizenga Backs COVID-19 Relief Package for West Michigan, Calls for Speaker Pelosi to be held Accountable for Pandemic Politicking", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan coronavirus relief package to help West Michigan families and small businesses.\r\nTonight's long-awaited agreement provides critical aid to working families and small businesses here in West Michigan and across the nation. Specifically, this agreement extends the Paycheck Protection Program, delivers additional help for restaurants, and provides relief to small concert venues that have been devastated by shutdowns. Additionally, this bipartisan agreement delivers stimulus checks to hard hit families, money for vaccines, and funding to help schools resume in-person learning.\r\nWhile this relief package will provide a lifeline to struggling small businesses, how many small businesses were forced to shut their doors for good while waiting for Washington to act? Speaker Pelosi's decision to play politics with pandemic relief - only to agree to an aid package that is roughly half of what was offered earlier this year - should not be glossed over. This decision to let the livelihood of struggling Americans be ruined should not only be a part of her legacy, it should cost her the speakership in the next Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401695", "Upton: Help is on the way this Christmas", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today voted for and the U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation aimed at delivering COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans in need.\r\nUpton and the House Problem Solvers Caucus  which Upton serves as a vice-chair of  worked with a bipartisan group of Senators to design this bipartisan, bicameral package that is expected to also pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump. The package was split into two votes and both were passed by the House with overwhelming bipartisan majorities.\r\nCOVID-19 has caused suffering in this country like we haven't seen before. Families, small businesses, health care workers, schools  they're all struggling, and this bipartisan package throws them a lifeline. Help is on the way this Christmas, Upton said. I've heard from countless doctors and nurses, mom-and-pop small businesses owners, teachers, and community leaders who begged Congress to stop acting like the Grinch and provide much-needed help. This package isn't perfect but it's a good compromise and delivers real help. With the new vaccine, there is light at the end of an extremely long tunnel, but to ensure folks can make it until then, we need this package. Bottom line? I joined our bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus' call that we could not leave D.C. for home without seeing an agreement enacted to help folks across the country  and that's what this deal does.\r\nThe $908 billion package provides additional resources for the Paycheck Protection Program, emergency food assistance, emergency rental assistance, health care workers and hospitals, testing, tracing, vaccine development and distribution, schools, and broadband. The legislation also extends unemployment assistance for 16 weeks and provides for direct stimulus payments.\r\nBelow is a more detailed breakdown of the funding allocation in the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020:\r\n \r\n    Direct stimulus payments of $600 per person\r\n    Extension of all unemployment assistance for 16 weeks, with supplemental $300 per week\r\n    $300B for Small Business Administration \r\n    \r\n        Second Round of PPP for Small Business, inclusion of 501c6, restaurants, and live venues\r\n        Loan forgiveness process is simplified for borrowers with PPP loans of $150,000 or less.\r\n    \r\n    $13B for emergency food assistance: Increased SNAP assistance and funding for food banks and food pantries\r\n    $13B to provide funding to address COVID-related impacts on farmers, ranchers, growers, and fisheries\r\n    $25B for emergency rental assistance and extension of eviction moratorium through January 31 \r\n    Extension of student loan forbearance through April 1, 2021\r\n    $35B for Healthcare Provider Relief Fund\r\n    \r\n        Including $7B for rural providers\r\n    \r\n    $16B for Testing, Tracing and Vaccine Development & Distribution \r\n    $12B in CDFI / MDI targeted emergency investments to help low-income and minority communities withstand the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to this unprecedented economic downturn\r\n    $5B in emergency funding for substance abuse prevention and treatment and mental health \r\n    $82B of education funding, including $54 billion dedicated to K-12, $20 billion dedicated to higher education, and $7.5 billion for the Governor's Fund\r\n    \r\n        Includes targeted aid for private and parochial schools, minority-serving institutions, territories, and the Bureau of Indian Education\r\n    \r\n    $10B to support child care providers struggling due to the COVID 19 pandemic\r\n    $10B for broadband\r\n    $45B in emergency funding for transportation sector\r\n    Eliminates repayment requirement for $10B U.S. Postal Service loan included in CARES Act\r\n \r\nThe House also voted to pass an omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2021, which began October 1. A number of Upton's priorities were included as part of the legislative package, which is also expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Donald Trump.\r\nThis arduous process resulted in a bipartisan agreement that includes support for our health care workers, veterans, the environment, seniors, taxpayers, and the economy, Upton said. Looking ahead to the beginning of the 117th Congress, I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for southwest Michigan families.\r\nBelow is a detailed breakdown of highlights of the budget agreement for southwest Michigan:\r\n \r\n    $330M for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which addresses a wide range of problems including invasive species, non-point source pollution, and contaminated sediment.\r\n    A $10M increase and a total of $435M for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative within the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.\r\n    Fully funds veterans' health care, including the MISSION Act's community care program and other critical programs.\r\n    $43B for the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $1.25 billion above the enacted FY20 level. This funding include $3B for Alzheimer's disease and more than $6B for cancer research.\r\n    $732M for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635M for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60M for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants.\r\n    $1.7B for Community Health Centers\r\n \r\nAmong priorities Upton fought to include as part of this legislative package include:\r\nImproving Pipeline Safety\r\nUpton supported and the House passed the bipartisan PIPES Act, reauthorizing the pipeline safety agency.\r\nIn the last pipeline safety reauthorization in 2016, Upton successfully included mandatory annual inspections for certain pipeline crossings, such as Enbridge's Line 5, which crosses the Straits of Mackinac at a depth of more than 250 feet below the surface of the water.Under current law, the pipeline operator is also required to conduct underwater visual inspections and other surveys on a risk-based schedule.\r\nIn April 2018, an anchor struck Line 5 and caused damage to the external coating of Line 5, but there was no major damage to the pipeline. The incident revealed the need to pipeline operators to update its procedures to prevent anchor strikes and visually inspect the pipeline more frequently.\r\nAs part of this legislation package, Upton included an update to the 2016 regulations and now visual surveys and other technology to assess the integrity of the pipeline will be required at least once a year. The new language also requires the pipeline operator to implement special procedures to assess potential impacts by maritime vessels or equipment, including anchors. \r\nThe safe operation of our nation's pipeline system is vital to our economy, our national security, and our energy security. Now more than ever with the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans depend on pipelines every day to deliver fuels for essential uses, such as electricity generation, heating, and cooking, and the PIPES Act will ensure our pipelines remain safe and secure.We are proud to have worked with our colleagues on a bicameral compromise to reauthorize the PIPES Act and are pleasedto push this across the finish line this year, Upton said.\r\nReauthorizing School-Based Health Centers\r\nAs part of the budget agreement, the House supported Upton's efforts to reauthorize the School-Based Health Centers program through 2024 and provide SBHCs with the federal support they need to continue delivering valuable, low-cost health care to students across the country. School-based health centers reach more than two million children and adolescents in over 2,000 SBHCs across the nation, including more than 120 in Michigan. SBHCs primarily operate in underserved communities and play a crucial role in the provision of primary care services to school children, which also includes dental screenings and mental health services.\r\nEnding Surprise Medical Billing\r\nUpton supported bicameral, bipartisan efforts to put together an agreement to end surprise medical billing and protect patients from unexpected medical costs  without increasing premiums or interfering with state-level solutions. This plan establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including: \r\n \r\n    Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.\r\n \r\n \r\n    If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.\r\n \r\nAs part of the legislative agreement, the package includes a long-term extension of expiring public health programs, including: Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs.\r\nInvesting in Clean Energy\r\nUpton supported and the House passed a number of clean energy-related bills aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The bipartisan, comprehensive package of programs invests heavily in clean energy R&D and technologies, including energy storage, nuclear power, electric vehicles, and carbon capture.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-limit-presidential-emergency-powers", "Amash introduces bill to limit presidential emergency powers", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nDecember 21, 2020\n\nCONTACT\nmi03.media@mail.house.gov\n\n\nAmash introduces bill to limit presidential emergency powers\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the National Emergencies Reform Act to limit the president's statutory authority to invoke emergency powers.\n\nUnder the National Emergencies Act (NEA), the president can declare emergencies and invoke powers that otherwise require congressional action. These declarations last until the president withdraws them or a joint congressional termination resolution is passed into law. Because a president who has not voluntarily withdrawn an emergency declaration is unlikely to sign a bill to end it, Congress must obtain a supermajority to end an emergency declaration without the president's cooperation.\n\nThis arrangement allows presidents to abuse the NEA to usurp Congress's legislative authority, and it allows an emergency to persist indefinitely: Of the 69 national emergencies declared since the NEA was enacted in 1976, 35 are still in effect. This violates the structure of the Constitution, which vests legislative power exclusively in Congress, and it deprives the people of their right to be heard in the policymaking process through their congressional representatives.\n\nThe National Emergencies Reform Act cures this problem by providing that national emergencies declared by the president will sunset automatically unless Congress is unable to meet or Congress votes to sustain the designation within 48 hours of reconvening. All existing national emergencies will become void 60days after passage unless Congress votes to continue them.\n\nGoing back to the Framers of the Constitution, Americans have recognized the president's inherent power as chief executive to act swiftly and unilaterally in an emergency. But such power exists only so long as Congress has no opportunity to act, said Amash. Laws like the National Emergencies Act are notand, under our Constitution, cannot begrants of legislative powers to the president. Too often, emergencies are being invoked without appropriate justification, and the transition of power back to Congress isn't happening. My bill will restore constitutional balance to these situations by limiting the duration of presidential emergency declarations without restricting the president's ability to act in true emergencies.\n\nBill text is attached.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bills-protect-asylum-seekers-and-other-immigrants", "Amash introduces bills to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nDecember 21, 2020\n\nCONTACT\nmi03.media@mail.house.gov           \n\nAmash introduces bills to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants\nBills reduce unnecessary prosecutions and detention of immigrants\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Protect Asylum Seekers Act and the Practical Alternatives to Detention Act to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants from unnecessary prosecution, detention, or family separation.\n\nUnnecessarily subjecting immigrants to detention and criminally prosecuting asylum seekers who have caused no harm undermines our values and doesn't serve our nation's interests, said Amash. We need broad immigration reform, but until that becomes a reality, these targeted changes can limit some harms in the current system.\n\nCurrent law allows people to seek asylum in the United States regardless of where they entered the country, but it separately criminalizes the act of entering the country without going through a port of entry. This means someone seeking refuge from persecution in their home country may arrive in the United States only to find themselves prosecuted here simply for entering at the wrong spot. One consequence of such prosecutions can be the separation of children from their parentsan intended consequence of the zero tolerance policy implemented in 2018, which sought to prosecute everyone who committed the crime of improper entry.\n\nThe Protect Asylum Seekers Act makes U.S. policy toward asylum seekers more coherent and humane by providing that individuals who request asylum upon arrival in the United States will not have committed a crime if they crossed the border between ports of entry. This change will prevent unnecessary prosecutions and ensure parents aren't separated from their children to accommodate such prosecutions. The bill also prohibits immigration authorities from separating families unless a child is in danger.\n\nThe Practical Alternatives to Detention Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to utilize alternatives to detention (ATD) programs for eligible individuals. These programs, which replace detention with case management services and electronic monitoring, have been proven to help immigrants comply with the immigration process through cheaper and more humane measures than detention. Access to ATD programs is especially important for families with children, pregnant women, people with medical needs, and those with elevated health risks related to public health emergencies such as pandemics. Accordingly, the Practical Alternatives to Detention Act prioritizes those populations, in addition to asylum seekers, for ATD programs.\n\nBill texts are attached.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-21", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 21", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 21, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-supports-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package", "Kildee Supports Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the U.S House of Representatives for passing theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, a nearly $1 trillion emergency relief packageto support American workers, families and small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.\nThis pandemic is not over. Michiganders still need our help to get through this pandemic, Congressman Kildee said. While a safe and effective vaccine brings us hope, the coronavirus is still ravaging our country. This past week, we witnessed more deaths from COVID-19 over a single 24-hour period than at any other point during this pandemic. This additional economic relief for workers, families and small businesses is long overdue. I strongly support additional economic stimulus payments to families, extended unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers, additional relief for small businesses and more resources to help with the distribution of coronavirus vaccines. While this bipartisan compromise does not include everything I would have hoped for, it is a down payment that will provide much-needed relief to those struggling. I look forward to working with the incoming Biden administration to provide additional relief to struggling Americans in the weeks ahead.\nThisrelief package will:\n Distribute Direct Payments to Americans:The bill will provide a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. \n\tExtend Unemployment Benefits:The bill will extend federal pandemic jobless insurance programs by 11 weeks and provide a $300 per week additional federal unemployment benefit for three months.\n\tProvide Additional Funding for Small Businesses:The bill will provide eligible small businesses, non-profits and live event venues with an additional $315 billion in the form of emergency loans and grants that can be forgiven if businesses keep workers on the payroll, instead of laying them off. This includes a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for eligible entities.\n\tAccelerate Vaccine Distribution:The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers.\n\tSupport for Families and Children:The bill will provide $82 billion for schools and $10 billion for childcare to help parents be able to return to work. It also includes $25 billion for rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium. Finally, the bill ensures working families and parents whose income was impacted by the pandemic can use either their 2019 or 2020 income to calculate their Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, whichever one provides the most relief.\n\tFight Hunger:The bill provides a 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding. It also includes $75 million for expanding the Double Up Food Bucks' program to ensure SNAP recipients can purchase frosts and vegetables.\n\tEnd Surprise Medical Billing:When a person is sick, the last thing they should have to worry about is a surprise medical bill.The package includes legislation that will end surprise medical billing for emergency and scheduled care, keeping the patient out of the middle of a billing dispute.\n Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Congressman Kildee has worked tirelessly to prioritize direct support for Michigan workers, families and small businesses. Kildee previously helped pass three other bipartisan coronavirus relief packages to respond to the pandemic, including:\n H.R. 6074,theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,which included $8.3 billion in emergency funds to accelerate vaccine funding and buy more personal protective equipment for frontline health care workers.This bill was signed into law by the President.\n\tH.R. 6201,theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act,which included paid sick and family leave, strengthened food assistance and free coronavirus testing for all that need it. This bill was signed into law by the President.\n\tH.R. 748, theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,a $2 trillion emergency relief package, which included support for American workers, families and small businesses.This bill was signed into law by the President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/in-the-news/jackson-cit-pat-reopen-schools-give-teachers-priority-vaccine-access", "Jackson Cit Pat: To reopen schools, give teachers priority vaccine access", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg\nThe year 2020 has presented numerous challenges we could not have seen coming 12 months ago. A deadly virus has taken a tremendous toll on all aspects of life  physically, emotionally, economically.\nAs we look forward to 2021, we all dream of a return to normalcy and to eradicate COVID-19 once and for all.\nWith the historic achievement of Operation Warp Speed, and the successes of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, these desires are becoming closer to reality. In fact, the eyes of the nation were on Michigan last weekend as trucks with the first doses departed the Pfizer facility near Kalamazoo.\nThanks to these vaccine breakthroughs, health experts and local officials are developing plans for distribution in communities like Jackson and beyond.\nAn overwhelming majority of Americans support priority vaccine access for vulnerable populations, like individuals with pre-existing conditions and nursing home residents, as well as our frontline workers. K-12 educators should be given priority as well.\nU.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills, and I, both members of the House Education and Labor Committee, recently introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts to give teachers top-tier consideration.\nBy doing so, we can take a critical step to keeping Jackson County students in school and parents at work.\nAfter months of remote schooling, we simply cannot ignore the long-term educational and emotional shortfalls stemming from virtual learning. The lack of face-to-face connection has created new barriers that have hampered children's social development that we often take for granted. This personal connection is even more critical for students with learning disabilities.\nCalculating the mental toll on our youth by being out of the classroom is nearly impossible, but health experts warn that social isolation creates the risk of anxiety and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 20% of teens have seriously contemplated suicide during the pandemic.\nWe know the achievement gap is widening through virtual learning, too. While some families have high-speed internet access and technology to properly handle the demands, many in both urban and rural areas lack the capability to participate in virtual classrooms. In many districts, enrollment is down and some students just aren't showing up.\nRecent studies have shown women, in particular, have been disproportionately hurt by this new educational arrangement. I have talked to many constituents who have had to leave the workforce to oversee their child's at-home school responsibilities or absorb additional childcare expenses on their monthly budget.\nIt is a devastating economic decision that has been forced upon many parents. Withdrawal from the workforce then leads to further disruption in our local economy at a time when so many small businesses are fighting for survival.\nThe evidence is mounting in favor of reopening our schools. Protecting teachers with a safe and effective vaccine will give them peace of mind and create a domino effect of positive impacts on our children, their parents, and our communities.\nA new year, and a new semester for Jackson County schools, is on the horizon. Let's prioritize our students and teachers and make it possible for a safe return to the classroom.\nThis article originally appeared in the December 20 edition of the Jackson Citizen Patriot.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401216", "Huizenga Applauds Senate Passing Critical Legislation to Renew and Strengthen Great Lakes Restoration Efforts", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, which Congressman Huizenga helped champion through the House in February, will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, for another five years. The bill also increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in Fiscal Year 2026. This bipartisan Great Lakes legislation now heads to the President's Desk for his signature. \r\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has a proven track record of success in West Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region, said Congressman Bill Huizenga. This bipartisan initiative is critical to our efforts to protect drinking water, prevent the spread of invasive species, and accelerate the clean-up of legacy pollution. The economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes are directly tied together. The GLRI is a tremendous example of an effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars that protects, preserves, and strengthens the Great Lakes today and for future generations. I hope the President signs this bipartisan win for the Great Lakes as soon as possible.\"\r\nIn August, Grand Valley State University released new research detailing how efforts to restore Muskegon Lake through the GLRI have led to $27.9 million in additional recreational spending per year, increased property values by $7.9 million, and increased the total number of visits to Muskegon Lake by 11%. Overall, the GVSU study found that restoring Muskegon Lake has led to a 4% increase in recreational spending in Muskegon County. \r\nIn addition to the Grand Valley State University Study, a 2018 study by the University of Michigan found that every $1 invested from the GLRI between 2010 and 2016 will generate $3.35 in additional economic activity through 2036. In cities such as Detroit and Buffalo that investment will yield a return of over $4 for every $1 invested according to the U of M Study.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-20", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 20", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, December 20, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-19", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 19", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saturday, December 19, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities, to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Indoor dining is still prohibited. This order is effective December 21, 2020 through January 15, 2021. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401694", "@MyKitchenTable - December 18, 2020", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "@MyKitchenTable: Friday, December 18, 2020 \r\nDear Friend: \r\nThere's an old saying, If not us, who?; if not now, when?No, it was not the Ghost Busters but certainly relevant now as we try and close the books on the 116th Congress. I was re-elected a Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solver's Caucus (PSC) by my fellow GOP's earlier in the week for the 117th Congress. We had roughly 50 Members of Congress equally divided between GOP's and Dem in the 116th with our group likely expanding to nearly 60 in the 117th. Elissa Slotkin and Debbie Dingell from Michigan's Democrat side and myself and  likely - freshman GOP Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids) will serve in the PSC. You should know that our PSC initiated the framework dating back to last summer trying to show the leadership on both sides of the Capitol and on both sides of the aisle that there is support for a COVID package as this pandemic did not end as we would have all wished last Easter and will continue into 2021.Elissa Slotkin and I discussed the COVID package on NPR's Michigan Radio Stateside and PSC's role. You can listen to that interview HERE. There are endless disturbing stories across the country impacting families and businesses as we try to survive into the new year. As the goalposts continue to move, our PSC has met the challenge and we are so close to getting this COVID package across the goal line and signed by the president.  \r\n  \r\nThe $900B elements of this package are these as of the end of the week: - $300B for the Paycheck Protection (PPP) for Small Businesses with provisions to count earlier PPP loans/grants as tax deductible vs taxable and loan forgiveness of PPP loans <$150K and includes live venue operators (movie theaters, museums, entertainers affected by stay-at-home orders). Funding allowed for a second forgivable PPP loan again administered by local lenders. - $180B for Unemployment Assistance which would extend all pandemic unemployment insurance for 16 weeks and provide $300 supplemental insurance during that period. - $16B for vaccine development and distribution and testing and contract tracing for states and localities. \r\n- $35B to support health Care Providers (would likely include pre-payments of Medicare dollars for hospitals as before). \r\n- $5B for addiction and mental health. - $45B for transportation funding for aviation workers' wages, salaries, and benefits...would also likely include funds for transit and bus lines. - $10B for Child Care Stabilization grantswould help with PPE and employee costs. - $13B for Agricultural Assistance and Fisheries. - $10B for Postal Service loan forgiveness. - $13B for Nutritionincreases SNAP by 15% for 4 months and food banks. - $25B for Rental Assistance to states and local governments and extends the CDC eviction moratorium until 1/31/21. - $4B for student loans for loan forbearance until 4/1/21 (extended from 1/31/21). - $10B for Broadband. - $82B for Education funding (K-12; $54B), Higher Ed ($20B). Much of the balance will be used for individual checks probably in the range of $600/person probably with lower income caps (was $75K last spring). Money for states/local communities was formally dropped from the package as no agreement could be reached providing gross liability protections for small businesses during the emergency period and discussions will be postponed on both into the next congress. So what's the holdup?Colleagues know this is the last train leaving the station heading for a presidential signature and trying to change provisions. In the meantime, the temporary funding resolution (Continuing Resolution or CR) expires Friday night and without a temporary extension, the federal government will shut down except for essential services.Late Friday night a 2-day CR passed the House allowing the COVID discussions to continue through the weekend without a government shutdown. It now goes to the Senate. It was such great news last week to see the great folks at Pfizer begin to see the delivery of vaccines across the country last Sunday.Some 1,911 successful deliveries were sent from the Portage facility with only 4 having difficulties (parcels actually got colder than the -94 degree required).The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is expected very shortly for the Moderna vaccine and those shipments can begin this weekend to supplement Pfizer's delivery. Astra-Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson are likely to also receive an EUA in early January. NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins has indicated that it is really phenomenal that we have a vaccine being delivered so quickly meeting all the safeguards needed for approval. You may have heard that Pfizer is still holding substantial doses (millions?) but that is because there has to be a second dose administered to reach the 95% efficacy rate after 21 days from receiving the first dose. I do believe that the vaccine is safe, but I will wait my turn before I roll up my sleeve allowing health care personnel and others to be rightly so at the front of the line.I know a number of them that had the vaccine earlier this week.In the meantime, I will continue to double-mask and social distance. I also continue to be tested. You can click HERE to learn more about the difference between Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccine. The restaurant industry is asking for the public's support  as reported HERE by Pat Moody  as they go through a challenging time, that's for certain. I hope you get a chance to support your local small business over these next few months. We learned this week that the inaugural committee will be limiting attendance at the presidential inauguration in January and most of the events will be virtual. Every inauguration  Republican or Democrat  our office is so proud to host constituents of the Sixth Congressional District. Normally we'd have a number of tickets to share with constituents, but sadly, it is limited this year because of COVID-19. You can learn more HERE. Today, the Governor announced that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has updated its epidemic order to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Casinos, bowling centers, and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with total capacity capped at 100; food and drink concessions closed; and social distancing requirements in place. The new order is effective Monday, Dec. 21 and you can learn more HERE. We have learned more in the news about the terrible Russian cyber attack on U.S. government agencies. As the top GOP on the Energy Subcommittee, I've asked for briefings - classified and non - for the Administration to look at the damage and corrective steps we need to address. Stay tuned. I close with a real highlight. National Journal has been a staple of my weekly reading for decades providing unbiased reporting on many complex issues. Their most recent issue was titled Diversity in Advocacyhighlighting Black leaders in government affairs. Tiffany Moore was one of those highlighted who today serves as Senior VP for the Consumer Technology Association. You can see that story HERE.Tiffany once served for a number of years as my Legislative Director after graduating from WMU. All the best, \r\n  \r\n  \r\nFred Upton", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-legislation-improve-fisa-oversight", "Amash introduces legislation to improve FISA oversight", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nDecember 18, 2020\n\nCONTACT\nmi03.media@mail.house.gov\n\nAmash introduces legislation to improve FISA oversight\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced two bills to improve oversight of intelligence activities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): The Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act and the FISA Oversight Correction Act.\n\nThere is much work to be done to fix FISA itself and eliminate the authorities under which the government violates Americans' rights, said Amash. But that will be for nothing if we don't also fix the oversight regime that has failed to prevent serious FISA violations.\n\nIntelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act\n\nCurrent law explicitly protects intelligence community whistleblowers who raise urgent concerns with Congress, but only if the whistleblower contacts the House and Senate intelligence committees. This requirement reduces the potential efficacy of whistleblowing to Congress because it routes protected whistleblower reports through the intelligence committees, which have been known to impede effective oversight of the intelligence community, and limits the dissemination of whistleblower reports to other members of Congress who may be more inclined or better positioned to act on them. These factors may dissuade whistleblowers from coming to Congress in the first place.\n\nThe Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act reduces this problem by explicitly allowing intelligence community whistleblowers to make protected disclosures, using secure processes, to any member of Congress, regardless of whether the member is on one of the intelligence committees.\n\nFISA Oversight Correction Act\n\nThe FISA Oversight Correction Act improves FISA oversight through the judicial process. When Congress passed the original FISA statute, it created a process through which a judge can grant a criminal defendant access to their FISA warrant and the application that was submitted to the FISA court to obtain it. Accessing these materials is routine for defendants facing regular criminal warrants because such access is necessary for a defendant to challenge a warrant's legality. Those challenges enable defendants to defend their Fourth Amendment-secured rights, and they help deter law enforcement wrongdoing and negligence in the warrant process.\n\nBut in the 40-plus years since FISA passed, no one who has tried to obtain their warrant materials through the process provided for in FISA has been successful. People are being convicted and sent to prison without the opportunity to meaningfully challenge the FISA warrants used against them. This threatens defendants' rights, violates Congress's intent when drafting FISA, and removes crucial oversight of the FISA process that might have prevented some of the numerous compliance failures and rights violations that have occurred over the years.\n\nThe FISA Oversight Correction Act addresses this problem by correcting the legal standard used by judges to determine whether a defendant may access FISA warrant materials so that such access will be granted in appropriate cases. (In practice, this access would be granted to the defendant's lawyer, provided they have a security clearance.) This change will better protect defendants' rights, fulfill Congress's original intent, and provide some desperately needed oversight of the FISA process.\n\nBill texts are attached.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-18", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 18", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 18, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-women-s-caucus-leadership-introduces-legislation-improve", "Bipartisan Womens Caucus Leadership Introduces Legislation to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes for Pregnant Veterans", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the Bipartisan Women's Caucus leadership led by Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Jenniffer Gonzlez Coln (R-PR) introduced H.R. 9016, the Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs, or the DOULA Act. This legislation would establish a pilot program to furnish veterans with doula support services and to measure the impact these services have on pregnant veterans' childbirth, mental health, and infant care outcomes. Pregnant veterans disproportionately experience mental health afflictions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that expectant mothers matched with a doula had better birth outcomes than did mothers who gave birth without involvement of a doula. While women veterans have increasingly been relying on the Veterans Health Administration for maternal health services, doula services are not currently an integrated part of this model.\nHigh maternal mortality rates in the United States necessitate strident action on the part of Congress to uphold commitments to the women we serve, including pregnant veterans, said the Bipartisan Women's Caucus leadership.\nPregnant veterans must be afforded optimal maternal and mental health care that considers their veteran-specific experiences. The support of doulas has demonstrable positive effects on health outcomes, lowering the likelihood of pregnancy complications which could harm the mother or the child, and will assist women veterans as they navigate pregnancy and childbirth.\nUnder the DOULA Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to administer the pilot program of doula support services, developed through consultation with stakeholders, including veterans' organizations, community-based health care professionals such as doulas, and experts in promoting equity in health care. The program will provide meaningful support to pregnant veterans before, during, and after their pregnancy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-issues-status-update-renaming-detroit-post-office-after", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Issues Status Update on Renaming of Detroit Post Office after Aretha Franklin", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 3976, legislation renaming the United States Postal Service facility located at 12711 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit after the late national recording artist Aretha Franklin last night.\nI am thrilled to announce my legislation honoring my good friend, Aretha Franklin, passed the Senate. I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law, providing our community with yet another opportunity to celebrate the outstanding life and legacy of our beloved Queen of Soul,' Aretha Franklin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401215", "Huizenga Telephone Town Hall Audio on Election Integrity", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga Telephone Town Hall Audio on Election Integrity  \r\n  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Last night, Congressman Huizenga hosted a telephone town hall with thousands of constituents across West Michigan. The focus of the conversation was election integrity surrounding the results of the 2020 election and how West Michigan and our nation move forward. Joining Representative Huizenga on the call were Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck. Audio of the town hall conversation is available here. If you would like to sign up to receive a phone call and participate in future telephone town hall events, you are able to do so here. In addition to participating by telephone, these town hall conversations are also streamed live at Huizenga.House.Gov/Live As mentioned during the town hall, earlier this week Congressman Huizenga joined Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons for a procedural audit and hand recount of a precinct in Wyoming. Wyoming is the largest city in the Second District.  Following the audit, Congressman Huizenga did a Facebook Live video on election integrity and detailing the process. This video is embedded below.\r\n\r\nLastly, during the town hall conversation, Congressman Huizenga encouraged residents to read the portion of the amicus brief pertaining to Michigan. Here is a link to the brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-eliminate-civil-asset-forfeiture", "Amash introduces bill to eliminate civil asset forfeiture", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Amash introduces bill to eliminate civil asset forfeiture\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Civil Asset Forfeiture Elimination Act to repeal civil asset forfeiture nationwide.\n\t\n\tFederal, state, and local law enforcement use civil asset forfeiture to take billions of dollars in cash and property from private citizens each year without convicting the owners of any crime. Instead, the government brings a civil action against the property itself, alleging that the property is guilty of being connected to criminal activity. This allows the government to take property without needing to charge the owner with a crime, prove their guilt, or otherwise afford them all the rights of a criminal defendant. Often, the government gains ownership of such property automatically unless the owner files a claim for it within a short period of time. And when an innocent owner does file a claim, many jurisdictions put the burden of proof on the owner to prove their innocence, rather than requiring the government to prove their guilt.\n\t\n\tBy failing to protect property owners' constitutionally secured rights, civil forfeiture often leads to forfeitures of property belonging to innocent people. In many cases, the property owner is not even accused of being involved in a crime; it suffices that their property was used by someone else who is alleged to have committed a crime.\n\t\n\tCivil asset forfeiture is incompatible with due process, but the courts have failed to recognize that fact. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Elimination Act cures this historical error and restores Americans' rights by eliminating civil asset forfeiture at the state and federal level.\n\t\n\tCivil asset forfeiture is a due process violation, and it always has been, said Amash. Its history is riddled with injustices not because it's a valid practice that gets misused, but because its central premisedenying people their procedural rightsis inherently flawed. By ending it, my bill helps fulfill Congress's obligation to stop rights violations at both the state and federal level, and it ends a practice that contributes to the frayed relationship between law enforcement and the public.\n\t\n\tBill text is attached.\n\t\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-repeal-jones-act", "Amash introduces bill to repeal the Jones Act", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Amash introduces bill to repeal the Jones Act\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Jones Act Repeal Act to repeal the protectionist transportation policies known as the Jones Act.\n\t\t\n\t\tTo transport passengers or cargo between ports in the United States, federal law requires commercial ships to be U.S.-built, owned, and crewed. This has led to collateral consequences in the transportation industry as well as increased shipping and transportation costs in the United States that ultimately hurt American consumers. These costs were highlighted in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, which is disproportionately affected by the Jones Act.\n\t\t\n\t\tThe purported intent of the Jones Act is to ensure a large U.S. merchant fleet and sufficient domestic shipbuilding capacity in case of national emergencies, but it is ineffective at achieving those goals: Our fleet of large, oceangoing vessels that are Jones Act-compliant has dwindled to 99 shipswith less aggregate shipping capacity than the Jones Act fleet in 1950and U.S. shipbuilding has remained in a long decline. The Jones Act imposes substantial costs that make the U.S. shipping industry uncompetitive, with estimates from the 1990s that put the cost of U.S. shipbuilding at three times the cost of foreign-built ships, and likely even higher now.\n\t\t\n\t\tThe Jones Act Repeal Act fully repeals the Jones Act, allowing vessels to transport cargo and passengers between U.S. ports without meeting its burdensome requirements.\n\t\t\n\t\tThe Jones Act fails to achieve its aims and increases costs for all Americans, but it survives because of lobbying by the special interests who benefit from its protectionism, said Amash. As a matter of fairness and sound economic policy, it's time to eliminate it.\n\t\t\n\t\tBill text is attached.\n\t\t\n\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-17", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 17", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 17, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-elect-biden-s-nomination-0", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Deb Haaland is an outstanding choice by President-elect Biden to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior. Her appointment as the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agencyishistoric.Congresswoman Haaland has alongrecord of advancing policies that focus on conserving and managingour federal landsandnatural resources, both as a Member of Congress and in her previous work as the Chairwoman of the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors.In Congress, I have worked closely with Congresswoman Haaland to protect the sovereignty of tribal nations while pushing to address the inequities that currently exist for Indian Country.The U.S. Senate should quickly vote to confirm Congresswoman Haaland after President-elect Biden is sworn into office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-elect-biden-s-nomination-governor", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Governor Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I commend President-elect Biden for choosing an experienced Midwest leader like Michigan GovernorJennifer Granholmto serve as Energy Secretary. Under GovernorGranholm's leadership, Michigan led the way in new green energy investments, including hybrid electric vehicles, advanced battery technologies and wind turbines. Her bold vision helped to create thousands of good-paying renewable energyjobs across our state. I know that GovernorGranholmunderstands the importance of supporting the American automotive industry by investing in electric vehicles, as wellas combating climate change to protect our planet and the Great Lakes. GovernorGranholmis notonly well qualifiedto serve as Energy Secretary, our country would benefit greatly from her leadership. The Senate should swiftly confirm GovernorGranholmas Energy Secretary.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-16", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 16", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 16, 2020\n  \n\tDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kildee-bergman-bill-protecting-injured-servicemembers-passes-congress", "Reps. Kildee, Bergman Bill Protecting Injured Servicemembers Passes Congress, Headed for Presidents Signature", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01)today applauded the passage of their legislation, theTransparency for Wounded Warriors Act,which was included in H.R. 7105 theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Their legislation will ensure that injured servicemembers receive their benefits earned through service to our country.\nThe TraumaticServicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)provides financial support to help eligible servicemembers recover from severe injuries. At times, servicemembers have been denied from receiving these benefits due to a lack of transparency and bureaucratic hurdles in the process.TheTransparency for Wounded Warriors Actwould make theTSGLIbenefits process more transparent and minimize the potential for bureaucratic errors.\nThis legislation is a result of a local veteran in Congressman Kildee's district. In 2013, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Cameron Corder, of Clio, was injured while on active duty with the Michigan Army National Guard serving as a flight medic in Afghanistan. SFC Corder sustained severe injuries to his back during a medical evacuation flight. Despite his traumatic injury, the Army for years repeatedly denied SFC Corder's requests for the injury benefits to which he is entitled, including $100,000 from theTSGLIprogram. For years, Kildee fought to get SFC Corder his benefits, including bringing him to a presidential State of the Union Address to draw attention to his case. In November 2017, SFC Corder received his $100,000 in back-owed benefits.\nI am pleased that Congress passed this bipartisan legislation to cut the red tape and get our servicemembers the benefits they have earned through service to our country, said Congressman Kildee. An injured servicemember should never have to go through a difficult and lengthy bureaucratic ordeal to get the benefits they deserve. Our men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms represent the best of this country and we owe them our full support when they return home. Just know, when it comes to my constituents, especially our veterans, I don't stop until I win.\nIn keeping our promises to our Nation's Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to be clear, transparent, and accountable to members of the military community when issuing benefits decisions. The Transparency for Wounded Warriors Act achieves this goal, and I'm proud to have partnered in a bipartisan manner with my Michigan colleague Rep. Kildee to get it passed in the House, said Congressman Bergman.\nWe are very grateful for all the help and assistance with the Army we've received from Congressman Kildee and his office, who refused to take no for an answer and kept working on our behalf to get things right,said SFC Corder in 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-gina-mccarthy-white-house-climate-coordinator", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Gina McCarthy as White House Climate Coordinator", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I thank President-elect Joe Biden for making clear that combatting climate change will be a top priority in his administration. We are already seeing first-hand the effects climate change is having on our Great Lakes, including record lake levels and threats of invasive species like Asian carp.\nMany Flint residents have expressed their concerns to me about this appointment and I have relayed their concerns to senior members of the Biden-Harris Transition.While the position of White House Climate Coordinator does not require confirmation by Congress, we must never forget the failures of the Flint water crisis. All levels of government, including the state of Michigan and the Environmental Protection Agency, failed Flint families. The EPA should not have taken the state of Michigan at its word about the quality of Flint's water. That's why I led the fight to pass new laws that require public notifications within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water. I also led the fight to secure $170 million to replace lead pipes and expand health care for residents after this man-made crisis. What happened to Flint is not an anomaly, it is a warning to the rest of the country that we must get serious about better protecting public health and addressing the injustices that we see in society. I have already had several conversations with the incoming Biden administration about how we can help Flint recover, and I will continue to aggressively push policy solutions that help families in my hometown.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401213", "Huizengas Effort Helps Open Over a $1 Million Export Market for Michigan Cherry Growers", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga issued the following statement announcing the exemption of a 15% tariff on U.S. tart cherry juice exports to Taiwan. The removal of this 15% tax will create more opportunity and provide significantly greater market access for both Michigan cherry growers and processors. \r\nMichigan farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops in the world, said Congressman Bill Huizenga. Estimates show that exporting tart cherry juice to Taiwan has the potential to reach over $1 million. This means more economic opportunity for growers, processors, and families across Michigan. When our farmers and growers are able to compete on a level playing field, Michigan families benefit. This announcement is great news for Michigan cherry growers and the agricultural community as a whole.\r\nThe Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is a national research and promotion organization that works on behalf of Michigan, Utah, Wisconsin and Utah cherry growers. Michigan alone produces approximately 75% of the tart cherry supply in the United States, said Julie Gordon, President of the Cherry Marketing Institute. CMI is grateful for the help it received from Rep. Bill Huizenga's office and the FAS team in Taiwan to secure a CNS 2377 revision to include U.S. Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice and exempt it from the 15 percent tax. The U.S. tart cherry industry continues to battle for fair trade practices here in the United States and abroad. This tax reduction will open the door for the U.S. tart cherry industry to be more competitive in the Taiwan market. I was told by officials in Taiwan that this process takes ten years. With the great partnership of USDA and Rep. Bill Huizenga's team we were able to get the job done in record time.\r\nWorking with the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service and the Cherry Marketing Institute, Congressman Huizenga's office played a key role in fostering conversations to level the playing field for American cherry growers and processors. The end result of this hard fought process was the elimination of a 15% tariff on imported cherry juice. The CMI estimates by eliminating this tax it will open more than $1 million to American growers and processors. According to CMI, 75% of the tart cherries grown in the United States are grown in Michigan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kildee-applauds-bipartisan-deal-end-surprise-medical-billing", "Congressman Kildee Applauds Bipartisan Deal to End Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, applauded and announced his support ofbipartisan legislation,The No Surprises Act, toprotect patients from unfair and expensivesurprisemedical bills that charge them out-of-network fees without their permission.\nSurprise medical bills occur when a patient gets medical care, unknowingly or unintentionally, then receives care from a medical provider outside of their insurance network. The patient is then left with the bill when the health care providers and insurance companies cannot agree on the cost of care.\nWhen a patient has a medical emergency, the last thing they should have to worry about is an unexpected medical bill especially during a pandemic, Congressman Kildee said. This bipartisan legislation will protect patients from surprise medical bills, lower health care costs, and provide increased transparency for patients, ensuring they won't be stuck in the middle of a billing dispute.\nThe No Surprises Actwould end surprise bills for patients by ensuring:\n No surprise bills for emergency care:Whether a patient is taken to an out-of-network emergency room or treated at an in-network emergency room, but by a medical provider who is not covered by their insurance, they are now protected.\n\tNo surprise bills for scheduled care:The bill forbids out-of-network health care providers from making patients foot the bill for the difference between the amount the medical provider charges and the amount that the patient's insurance pays, known as balance billing, for care without notice. Providers must give the patient notice of their out-of-network insurance and an estimate of charges 72 hours before receiving out-of-network services and the patient must agree to receive out-of-network care. The bill also provides protections against surprise bills and a period of transition for patients with complex care needs if their insurance changes.\n\tNo surprise air ambulance bills:Patients will only be required to pay the in-network amount for out-of-network air ambulances, protecting patients from tens of thousands of dollars in surprise bills when urgent medical transportis necessary.\n Congressman Kildee's top priority in Congress is lowering health care costs and preserving the Affordable Care Act. Kildeepreviously supported legislationin the Ways and Means Committee to end surprise medical billing, with today's announcement representing a bicameral, bipartisan compromise on the issue. Congressman Kildee has also supported the passage of H.R. 3,theElijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would lower the cost of prescription drug by allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies. He has also supported bothH.R. 986,theProtecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019and H.R. 987,theStrengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Actwhich would help to rein in the soaring costs of prescription drugs and protect those with pre-existing conditions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-15", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 15", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 15, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-elect-biden-s-nomination-mayor-pete", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Mayor Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Pete Buttigiegis a fantastic choice for Transportation Secretary. As a mayor, Pete understands the importance of investing in our roads, bridges and water systems. Pete knows that improving our infrastructure will create good-paying American jobs and make us more competitive as a nation. And being from the Midwest, Pete knows first-hand the challenges many older, industrial communities like South Bend, Flint and Saginaw face. I look forward to working with President-elect Biden and Pete Buttigieg to pass a bipartisan and bold infrastructure plan that meets our country's needs. If confirmed, Pete would be the first openlyLGBTQ cabinet secretary, a truly historic moment for our country. The U.S. Senate should quickly consider and confirm Pete Buttigieg after our new president is sworn in next month\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-announces-12-million-grant-award-regional-transit", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Announces $1.2 Million Grant Award to the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Detroit, MI  Today, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence announced a total of $1,271,980 in grant awards to the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act, passed in March 2020, provided $25 billion to the FTA to assist transit agencies with expenses related to COVID-19. The funds will be used to support the operations of M1 RAIL's Q Line Streetcar, which operates along Woodward Avenue in Detroit.\nI am pleased that the RTA was awarded this grant by the FTA to support public transportation expenses during this crisis, said Rep. Lawrence. Safe, reliable public transportation is critical for Detroiters providing essential services during this pandemic. Those who rely on the Q Line in Detroit should not have to worry about its safety or the continuity of operations.\nBackground:\n The CARES Act provided $25 billion to the Federal Transit Administration to support transit agencies' expenses related to COVID-19;\n\tThe FTA has awarded $1,271,980 million to the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan to support operations of M1 RAIL's Q Line Streetcar;\n\tThe Q Line Streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue, from Downtown Detroit through Midtown, New Center and the North End;\n\tThis funding will be used for operational expenses which include physical security, safety, and WiFi services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-14", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 14", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 14, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-michigan-s-meeting-electoral-college", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Michigans Meeting of the Electoral College", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement today after Michigan's 16 electors cast their ballots for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris during the electoral college meeting at the Michigan State Capitol:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-removal-sudan-state-sponsors-terrorism-list", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the Removal of Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement today after it was announced Sudan has been removed from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-13", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 13", "2020-12-13", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, December 13, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401693", "Upton and DeGette: Tomorrow will be a historic day", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Diana DeGette (D-CO)  authors of 21st Century Cures - issued the following statement, as tomorrow marks the four-year anniversary of 21st Century Cures becoming law, the same day Pfizer will ship their historic vaccine.\r\nTomorrow marks the four-year anniversary of President Obama signing the 21st Century Cures Act into law. This landmark, bipartisan legislation, which we spearheaded, is one of our proudest achievements in Congress. We're glad to know that because of 21st Century Cures, we're on the cusp of finding treatments to some of the most tragic illnesses - including Sickle Cell and various forms of cancer - that have taken far too many lives. While we were working on passing this important legislation to accelerate the approval and deployment of cutting-edge, life-saving cures, treatments, and vaccines, our focus was entirely on renewing hope for patients and their families. Well, tomorrow, our hopes - and the hope of the whole world - will be renewed. Tomorrow, on the four-year anniversary of 21st Century Cures becoming law, the first COVID-19 vaccine will be shipped nationwide from Pfizer's global manufacturing facility in Portage. Coupled withan expected Moderna EUA by the end of the week, as many as 100 million Americans will be vaccinated by the end of March. That is real hope.\r\n\r\nWhen we first passed 21st Century Cures, we aimed to advance medical research, foster a new era of medical innovations, and help find cures to some of the world's cruelest diseases. We knew it would make an impact but never did we expect its importance to play such an outsized role so quickly. As we fight to end the worst public health crisis in a century, we are so grateful for all of the scientists, health care workers, and the good folks at Pfizer who have worked in record time to find this vaccine. The world is better off because of 21st Century Cures and Pfizer's incredible work. Tomorrow will be a historic day - one we will never forget and once again reminds us of what we can accomplish when we work together. To Pfizer, job well done, and to the world, there is truly a bright light at the end of this dark tunnel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-12", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 12", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saturday, December 12, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-us-food-and-drug-administration-s-emergency", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Emergency Authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today's announcement is welcome news for Michigan families, frontline workers and small businesses. We owe scientists and doctors, including those at Pfizer right here in Michigan, a debt of gratitude for their hard work to develop and manufacture this safe and effective vaccine. Every Michigander should have confidence in this vaccine, which has gone through rigorous review and approval by independent medical experts.\nWhile a vaccine brings us hope, we must recognize it will take time to widely distribute it to every person. As vaccines are distributed, we all play a critical role in helping to control this virus. I hope every Michigander will join me in continuing to wear a mask, practicing social distancing and frequently washing their hands to slow the spread. Congress must also come together to pass another economic relief billtoo many workers are still unemployed, small businesses are struggling to get by and families need our support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401692", "Upton: The light at the end of the tunnel is now shining bright", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) issued the following statement after the FDA granted emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is now ready to ship.\r\nThis vaccine is the pride and joy of Kalamazoo. It has been a labor of love, patriotic duty, and determination to restore our way of life and save the world, Upton said. I cannot reiterate enough how proud I am of southwest Michigan and all of the Michiganders part of Pfizer's team. This is a historic accomplishment, creating a safe, effective vaccine to help end this deadly pandemic. Because of the work we did on 21st Century Cures - which accelerated the development and discovery of medical cures and devices and helped bring treatments, cures, and vaccines to market faster and more efficiently  Pfizer's vaccine is ready in record time and we can begin on our road to recovery. The light at the end of the tunnel is now shining bright on our community for mastering the challenge. Well done, our Pfizer faithful!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-11", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 11", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 11, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kildee-davis-lead-75-members-congress-urging-trump-administration-extend", "Reps. Kildee, Davis Lead 75 Members of Congress Urging Trump Administration to Extend Unemployment Benefits", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chairman of the Ways and Means' Worker and Family Support Subcommittee, today sent aletterto President Donald J. Trump urging his administration to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits, which are set to expire at the end of December without action by the White House and U.S. Senate. The letter was signed by 75 additional Members of Congress.\nFederal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, a $600 per week supplemental federal unemployment benefit that proved to be a lifeline to millions of Americans throughout the pandemic, expired at the end of July.Without expeditious action, additional direct benefits to workers and supports for employerswill expire at the end of the year, including:\n Up to 13 weeks of additional benefits for those who have exhausted state unemployment;\n\tUp to 39 weeks of benefits for workers who are not eligible for state unemployment insurance, including self-employed and gig workers; and\n\tInterest-free loans to states to keep their unemployment trust fund solvent and delay unemployment tax increases to employers.\n The U.S. House of Representatives passed two relief billsThe Heroes ActinMay and anupdated version ofTheHeroes Actin Octoberto extend critical unemployment provisions. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has so far failed to act on these bills.\nIt is essential that we provide vital unemployment benefits to workers across the country, especially before the unemployment provisions inThe FFCRAandThe CARES Actexpire at the end of December. Cutting off enhanced unemployment benefits while the economy is still in crisis would ignore the millions of Americans who are still suffering.We hope that you will support this measure as soon as possible, the lawmakers wrote.\nThe letter is endorsed by American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); National Education Association (NEA); National Leased Housing Association (NLHA); and Young Invincibles\nThe full text of thelettercan be found below:\nDear Mr. President,\nWe write to express our strong support for extending the unemployment supports established through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These benefits are critical to continuing to support hardworking American families and businesses impacted by the coronavirus.\nThroughout the pandemic so far, over 288,000 Americans have lost their lives and over 10 million Americans remain unemployed. According to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country's unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent far above 3.6 percent in January 2020, before the coronavirus spread within the United States. Furthermore, long-term unemployment continues to increase: over one third of those unemployed in November were jobless for at least six months.\nThe coronavirus pandemicand the subsequent health and economic crisis it createdis far from over. We are in the midst of a third wave of coronavirus cases, with the majority of states experiencing unchecked community spread. In November,Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powellsaid that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases poses a great risk to our economic recovery.\nUnfortunately, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) expired at the end of July. FPUC was a $600 per week supplemental federal unemployment benefit that served as a lifeline to millions of Americans during the pandemic. However, the House of Representatives passed two relief billsThe Heroes Act in May and an updated version of The Heroes Act in Octoberto extend critical unemployment provisions. Now, we are staring down another unemployment benefit cliff. Many federal unemployment supports will expire at the end of the year, absent further action.\nWithout expeditious action, the following direct benefits to workers and supports for employerswill expire at the end of the year:\n Up to 13 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides additional benefits for those who have exhausted state unemployment;\n\tUp to 39 weeks of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides workers who are not eligible for state unemployment insurance, including self-employed and gig workers, unemployment benefits;\n\tFull federal funding for up to 20 weeks Extended Benefits (EB), which states trigger onto at high unemployment rates;\n\tInterest-free loans to states to keep their unemployment trust fund solvent and delay unemployment tax increases to employers;\n\tFull federal funding for Short-Time Compensation or Workshare programs, which allow employers to temporarily reduce their employees' hours without having to let them go;\n\tFull federal funding for the cost of waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits; and\n\t50 percent federal funding for the cost of unemployment insurance paid to employees of nonprofits and local governmental entities that enter into reimbursable arrangements with state unemployment programs, instead of paying per-worker unemployment taxes.\n The impending unemployment benefit cliff will negatively impact American workers, businesses and the economy at large.The Century Foundationestimates that more than half of the workers who are currently relying on unemployment insurance to survive will be cut off at the end of December.\nThis means that millions of Americans will no longer be able to afford paying rent, putting food on the table and covering health care expenses. Because workers receiving unemployment insurance inject that money straight into their local economy, the businesses that rely on these customers will also suffer losses if these benefits expire. This will have a ripple effect throughout the economy at large, slowing consumer spending.\nAdditionally, without federal support for unemployment insurance or interest-free loans to cover state unemployment trust funds, employers in many states will face increased unemployment taxes. According to theTax Foundation, 27 states have a tax that automatically triggers when the unemployment trust fund falls below a certain level.\nTherefore, it is essential that we provide vital unemployment benefits to workers across the country, especially before the unemployment provisions in the FFCRA and the CARES Act expire at the end of December. Cutting off enhanced unemployment benefits while the economy is still in crisis would ignore the millions of Americans who are still suffering.We hope that you will support this measure as soon as possible.\nSincerely,\nRepresentative Daniel T. Kildee, Chairman Danny K. Davis, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Nanette Diaz Barragn, Joyce Beatty, Don Beyer, Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Earl Blumenauer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Suzanne Bonamici, Brendan F. Boyle, Anthony Brown, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Andr Carson, Matthew Cartwright, Ed Case, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, David N. Cicilline, Wm. Lacy Clay, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Anna G. Eshoo, Dwight Evans, Bill Foster, Marcia L. Fudge, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Raul M. Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Ro Khanna, Derek Kilmer, Ann Kirkpatrick, James R. Langevin, John B. Larson, Brenda L. Lawrence, Barbara Lee, Susie Lee, Andy Levin, Mike Levin, Alan Lowenthal, Doris Matsui, Betty McCollum, Gregory W. Meeks, Grace Meng, Gwen S. Moore, Jerrold Nadler, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frank Pallone, Jr., Jimmy Panetta, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Stacey E. Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Jamie Raskin, Tim Ryan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Linda T. Snchez, John P. Sarbanes, Jan Schakowsky, Jos E. Serrano, Terri A. Sewell, Mikie Sherrill, Albio Sires, Elissa Slotkin, Darren Soto, Rashida Tlaib, Nydia M. Velzquez, Peter Welch and Susan Wild.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-amicus-brief-regarding-2020-election", "Moolenaar Statement on Amicus Brief Regarding the 2020 Election", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar and over 100 of his House colleagues signed an amicus brief in support of the Supreme Court case filed by the State of Texas regarding the 2020 presidential election. I believe it is of utmost importance to ensure the integrity of our election systems, Congressman Moolenaar stated. There have been several reports of election irregularities in Michigan and across the country. These reports should be taken seriously and investigated to the fullest degree. The amicus brief I signed onto affirms these concerns and they merit careful and timely review by the Supreme Court. It is my hope the court will swiftly review the case to bring confidence to the American people that the 2020 election upheld the Constitution and state laws. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401211", "Huizenga Joins Amicus Brief Regarding the 2020 Presidential Election", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga Joins Amicus Brief Regarding the 2020 Presidential Election \r\n  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga joined over 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in signing an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas over the 2020 presidential election. A copy of the brief is available on the U.S. Supreme Court website here. Following the submission, Congressman Huizenga discussed why he joined the amicus brief in a live video. The Facebook Live video is available below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401689", "Upton issues statement on Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upton issues statement on Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 10, 2020\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) issued the following statement after the FDA Advisory Committee recommended Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine receive emergency use authorization:\r\nI am so proud of the role Pfizer's Portage location has played in making this day a reality. Southwest Michigan is literally helping to save the world, and we take tremendous pride in all of those Michiganders who have been and will continue to serve such a critical role in distributing this life-saving vaccine around the country and throughout the world, Upton said. This vaccine is essential to helping end the COVID-19 pandemic and restoring a sense of normalcy. While this is an exciting day, as folks await the vaccine, everyone should continue to follow the CDC guidelines and wear their masks, wash their hands, and avoid large crowds to help stop the spread.\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401691", "@MyKitchenTable - December 10, 2020", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "@MyKitchenTable: Thursday, December 10, 2020 \r\nDear Friend: \r\nBilly Sunday once said, Stopping at third adds no more to the score than striking out. It doesn't matter how well you start if you fail to finish.  \r\n  \r\nWe need to finish this year strong, getting another COVID deal done and a plan to fund the government.  Today was an important day in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic. An advisory FDA panel voted to recommend granting Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The panel reviewed the safety data and examined the evidence that Pfizer presented and deemed it was safe and effective enough to be cleared for emergency use.  The 21st Century Cures Act  Rep. Diana DeGette's (D-CO) and my historic, bipartisan legislation that became law almost four years ago to the day  accelerated the development and discovery of medical cures and devices, helping to bring treatments, cures, and vaccines to market faster and more efficiently. Because of 21st Century Cures, we have a COVID-19 vaccine faster than ever thought to be possible. The U.S. will soon begin shipping millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine, possibly as soon as tonight. And remember, the vaccine will be shipped from Pfizer's location here in southwest Michigan. Boxes with 1,000 doses each will be packed up with 50 pounds of dry ice and delivered across the nation. CBS reported 25M doses being sent before the end of the year. Southwest Michigan is literally helping to save the world, and we take tremendous pride in all of those Michiganders who have been and will continue to serve such a critical role in distributing this life-saving vaccine around the country and throughout the world. You can read more about Pfizer's vaccine and the role SW MI is playing to distribute it HERE. Michigan's state health department reported today that within two weeks of the vaccine being shipped to Michigan, all hospitals and health departments will get a shipment.  In the meantime, the coronavirus continues to surge across the country. More than 289K Americans have died, and we set a single day record on Wednesday of more than 3,000 deaths.It's tragic, and we need to be mindful to wear our masks, wash our hands, and keep our distance not only for ourselves, but for the doctors, nurses, and hospital workers who are under tremendous stress and working under burdensome conditions. The FDA did issue authorization on the first direct-to-consumer COVID-19 test. LabCorp's Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit allows individuals to self-collect a nasal swab sample at home and then send that sample to get tested at LabCorp. You can purchase the test online or in a store without a prescription. You can read more HERE. On Capitol Hill, our efforts to pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal continue. I'm hopeful we can get something done but there are still a number of differences left to sort out. You'll remember last week our bipartisan House Problem Solver's Caucus (PSC) released a plan that had the support of both House members and Senators, and this week we released an outline with more detail that you can see HERE. I participated in a Zoom call with the broader bipartisan, bicameral group as we discussed next steps. One of the major developments is that the White House signaled support for a deal that would provide $600 stimulus checks for all Americans in exchange for removing the unemployment benefits from the package, which you can read HERE. The rubber hits the road next week. We hope to get a final COVID-19 relief deal done along with a longer-term package to fund the government (we passed a one-week extension of government funding yesterday). We should NOT be adjourning for the holidays without getting a deal done. Aid for small businesses (PPP), broadband, health care providers, educators, state/local funding (no money to bail out pension funds or past deficits...only itemized losses of tax revenuesales and gas taxeswould qualify), and liability protections remain central components of the bipartisan package we are discussing.  One of the sticking points is over the liability protections, which will protect small businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, which you can read in Roll Call HERE. I would note that without liability protections, insurance will not provide for attorneys to defend cases for small businesses. This needs to be part of the package or it would become a massive burden on small businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat. Education groups have joined those in the business community in support of this provision. I'd also mention that the Detroit Chamber of Commerce sent a letter late Tuesday night urging the Congressional delegation to adopt another COVID-19 relief package. The chamber's President and my friend, Sandy Baruah, wrote: The situation is urgent and can't wait until the new Congress and administration are seated in 2021 as businesses in Michigan and across the country suffer while COVID cases spike. You can read that story HERE. I've heard from many families and small businesses across my district that they are going to need help  Congress has to deliver. Let's get it done. Lastly, our photo of the day is from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department, where their K9's Blek, Maxx, and Mika received donations of bullet and stab protective vests from the non-profit, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. We're grateful for their service! All the best, \r\n  \r\n  \r\nFred Upton\r\nP.S. If you do not regularly receive @MyKitchenTable email updates and you would like to, please click here to sign up. \r\n \r\nIf you would like to submit photos to share in these Kitchen Table updates of you social distancing, in your masks, working from home, and other photos of how you are keeping safe during the coronavirus pandemic, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-10", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 10", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 10, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-elect-biden-s-nomination", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement today after President-elect Joe Biden nominated Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) to serve as Secretary of House and Urban Development:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-elect-biden-s-nomination-katherine", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement today after President-elect Joe Biden nominated Katherine Tai, Chief Trade Counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee, to serve as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-dingell-introduce-national-dam-and-hydropower-safety", "Moolenaar, Dingell Introduce National Dam and Hydropower Safety Legislation", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) today introduced bipartisan legislation that makes reforms and improvements to dam and hydropower safety operations and oversight. Dingell and Moolenaar pushed for the provisions after the breach of the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam failures in Michigan caused extensive damage throughout the region's downstream communities, destroying homes, businesses, roads, and bridges. The lawmakers' legislation, the National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020, would enhance dam and hydropower safety operation requirements nationwide and aims to modernize existing infrastructure through the development of new best practices and improved communications between FERC and states. This legislation was written in response to the aftermath of the Edenville dam and Stanford dam failures in Michigan this year and would also require a FERC to provide a briefing and report to Congress on the tragic incident. In the midst of a global health pandemic and economic devastation, Michigan experienced a catastrophic, avoidable infrastructure collapse. The breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams caused extensive damage in Michigan and its downstream communities. It drowned homes, businesses, and whole cities, said Dingell. It is clear there are serious gaps in existing laws that need to be addressed and this could have been prevented. We can never let this happen again in any city in America with a high hazard dam. I look forward to continuing to advance this legislation next Congress and hope to enlist strong bipartisan support from my colleagues. I've been working hard to help our community recover, including securing approval for more than $100 million in federal assistance that has come to our community to rebuild homes, small businesses, and private wells, as well as roads and bridges, said Moolenaar. However, there's no doubt that the federal and state regulators failed our community when they were working with an uncooperative private dam owner. Those failures compounded over more than a decade into a devastating event that affected the lives of thousands of residents. This bipartisan legislation will address gaps in existing law and do more to ensure compliance with the safety regulations that are paramount to protecting the people of Michigan. The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020 would specifically do the following:\n Require FERC to provide a briefing and a report to Congress on the findings of the independent forensic analysis of the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam failures.\n\tAdd a new requirement to section 10 of the Federal Power Act to mandate dam and project works meet the FERC's dam safety requirements and to require the licensee to manage, operate, and maintain the dam and project works consistent with dam safety requirements.\n\tAmend section 15 of the Federal Power Act to require FERC to issue a new license only if the Commission determines the dam and other project works meet the Commission's dam safety requirements and that the operating conditions of the license are consistent with those requirements.\n\tRequire FERC to establish procedures for evaluating the financial health of prospective hydropower licensees.\n\tRequire FERC to convene a technical conference with State representatives to examine best practices for Dam Safety.\n In May 2020, the Edenville dam and Stanford dam failed after heavy rains and flooded the Midland area communities. It's operator, Boyce Hydro, had a long history of dam safety and compliance problems that likely resulted in the failure.In response, Dingell and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) sent letters to FERC regarding its oversight and the state of Michigan to gather the facts on the dam breach, how the state evaluated the dam in the time since, and additional information on the regulatory and legal actions the state took following the revocation of the license. In June, the provisions of this bill were also included in the House-passed infrastructure package, and in September, they were including in the House-passed energy package.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-5-million-grant-supporting-head-start-program", "Moolenaar Welcomes $5 Million Grant Supporting Head Start Program in Greenville", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a $5 million grant for EightCAP, to support the Greenville community organization's Head Start program for young children. This grant will help provide education, transportation, and meals to children, said Congressman John Moolenaar. EightCAP does important work to help those in need, and I have voted for grant programs including Head Start, because they fund local organizations and allow them to best serve the children in our community. EightCAP is a community nonprofit that provides assistance and supports solutions to homelessness and housing issues, food and transportation gaps, and poverty, in addition to its early childhood education programs. The $5 million grant is part of the Head Start Projects program of the Department of Health and Human Services. More information about the grant is attached to this release.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401210", "Huizenga Supported Legislation to Protect Great Lakes from Asian Carp, Address Erosion Passes House", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, the House passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bipartisan legislation prioritizes the health, ecology, and economy of the Great Lakes. WRDA includes the authorization for construction of the barrier at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam system to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Additionally this legislation takes steps to mitigate erosion and improve coastal resiliency. This bipartisan, bicameral agreement now heads to the Senate for final approval. The Co-Chairs of the House Great Lakes Task Force Representatives Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statements in support of this significant progress to protect and preserve the Great Lakes ecosystem. \r\nThe Great Lakes are an indispensable resource, said Congressman Huizenga. Congress must continue to prioritize the Great Lakes from both an economic as well as an ecological perspective. WRDA achieves this goal by authorizing construction for the critical Brandon Road Lock and Dam System to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes and by addressing erosion mitigation, the impacts of high water, and coastal resiliency. This bipartisan bill demonstrates that Congress can take effective steps to protect and preserve the Great Lakes ecology while prioritizing and modernizing infrastructure. \r\nThe Great Lakes are an unparalleled natural resource we are entrusted to protect for the health of our people, our environment, and our economy, said Congresswoman Dingell. By including critical provisions to protect our Great Lakes in the Water Resources Development Act, Congress has recognized that our most precious natural resources cannot survive without investments that protect our drinking water, strengthen invasive species management, and revitalize our coastlines. I commend our co-chairs and every member of the Great Lakes Task Force for their strong, bipartisan collaboration that helped us secured important authorizations for protecting these treasured waters from invasive species and putting a greater focus on coastal resiliency long-term.\r\nI was proud to work alongside my fellow Co-Chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force to include bipartisan provisions in this year's Water Resources Development Act to enhance both the environmental and economic health of the Great Lakes region, said Congressman Joyce. As someone who has long worked across the aisle to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, I know they are an invaluable natural resource and economic powerhouse and will continue working across the aisle to ensure Congress makes the necessary investments to treat them as such. \r\nThe Water Resources Development Act enjoys broad bipartisan support because it pays close attention to the unique and particular needs of the different regions of our diverse nation, said Congresswoman Kaptur. The package includes provisions to protect 90% of North America's surface water on the Great Lakes. This includes a specific authorization of the invasive species control system at Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a project that serves a unique national role and once completed, will serve as a bull-work for preventing Asian Carp and other invasive species from threatening the fragile ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Today's authorization marks an important milestone for protecting the Great Lakes $7 billion recreational fishery. Our region has advocated to include this authorization for nearly a decade. Since 2010, when Congress authorized the Great Lakes Interbasin Study, our delegation searched for a long term and basin-wide solution to Asian Carp. I commend the committee for imbedding resiliency into the Corps planning processes, and for investing to rebuild and advance the nation's water infrastructure for the 21st century. Finally, the bill adds the words Great Lakes to the name of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to shine a light on the Seaway's unique role in unleashing the economic potential of the region and the nation. I urge support for this bipartisan bill. \r\nIn October, the Co-Chairs of the House Great Lakes Task Force led a bipartisan letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging the Committee to include support for the Great Lakes in this year's Water Resources Development Act. Specifically, the Great Lakes Task Force Members asked that the final package include provisions previously approved by the House of Representatives, including 80 percent federal cost share and full authorization for the Brandon Road project to prevent invasive Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes, and expanded authorization for the Great Lakes Resiliency Study contained in Section 207 of the House-passed Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 7575). The letter was signed by 34 Members.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kildee-hosts-listening-session-working-americans-affected-covid-19", "Congressman Kildee Hosts Listening Session with Working Americans Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and Member of the Ways and Means Committee, todayhosted alisteningsessionwith workers whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic and who would benefit from Congress passing another COVID-19 relief bill as cases surge nationwide.\nDuring the Ways and Meanslisteningsession, Kildee shared a story from a mid-Michigan library director, highlighting how library workers adapted their services to keep themselves and their patrons safe and meet new demands brought on by the pandemic. Libraries, like many businesses across the country, require additional support or they will be forced to lay off workers.\nSix months ago, the House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act,which would provide workers with a second round of direct stimulus payments, extend enhanced federal unemployment benefits and extend emergency paid leave provisions.The Heroes Actwould also provide libraries additional assistance through funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services andhelp eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. However, unlike the House,Senate Republicans have failed to pass any COVID-19 aid bills.\nThe people who are hurting are represented by Democrats and Republicans. The people who are hurting are in every district across this country. We came together, as Democrats and Republicans, to pass theCARES Act. Now, we need to do it again. It is time to set aside our differences, find common ground and pass a COVID-19 relief bill now. Millions of American workers are counting on us, Congressman Kildee said during the listening session.\nThislisteningsessioncontinues Congressman Kildee's support for working Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Kildee hosted alisteningsessionto hear directly from Americans who lost the federal $600 unemployment benefit, because Senate Republicans and President Trump failed to act.\nA video of Congressman Kildee's remarks today at the listening session can be foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-9", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 9", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 9, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-authorizing-new-measures-stop-asian-carp", "House Passes Bill Authorizing New Measures to Stop Asian Carp", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed legislation authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to construct additional obstacles at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois that would prevent the spread of Asian carp. \nThe legislation also increases the percentage of funding in the national Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that must go towards the Great Lakes, from 10 percent to 13 percent.\nEvery Michigan resident loves the Great Lakes and this legislation will help protect the Lakes for future generations with more funding for our harbors and progress in preventing Asian carp, said Congressman John Moolenaar.\nThe legislation authorizes construction of additional barriers at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam as outlined in a report completed by the Army Corps of Engineers last year. The additional measures include an electric barrier, an engineered channel, a lock, andsound deterrents to the fish.More details are available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/in-the-news/fox-47-walberg-pushes-add-teachers-covid-vaccine-priority-list", "Fox 47: Walberg pushes to add teachers to COVID vaccine priority list", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401685", "Upton announces FCC auction expanding broadband to 16,280 southwest Michigan rural homes and businesses", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today announced that access to high-speed broadband is expanding to 16,280 rural homes and businesses in southwest Michigan through the Federal Communications Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. The auction allocated nearly $13 million to help close the digital divide in Upton's Congressional district.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has further expanded the digital divide in Michigan and across the country, exposing a larger rift between those who have access to broadband and those who don't, Upton said. Today's announcement marks an important day in our efforts to deliver broadband to every American. As folks continue to work, take classes, and utilize telehealth services from home, we need to continue to work together to expand high-speed internet to rural communities across southwest Michigan.\r\nThis historic auction is great news for the residents of so many rural Michigan communities, who will get access to high-quality broadband service in areas that for too long have been on the wrong side of the digital divide, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. We structured this innovative and groundbreaking auction to prioritize bids for high-speed, low-latency services to deliver the best results for rural Americans, and the results show that this strategy worked. This auction was the Commission's single largest step ever taken toward delivering digital opportunity to every American and is another key success in our ongoing commitment to universal service.\r\nIn total, the auction allocated $362,985,055.60 in support to expand broadband to 249,263 unserved Michigan homes and businesses over the next 10 years. Nearly all locations in Michigan that were eligible for the auction will be receiving access to broadband with speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, with an overwhelming majority (80%) getting gigabit-speed broadband. A broad range of providers successfully competed in the Phase I auction, including cable operators, electric cooperatives, incumbent telephone companies, satellite companies, and fixed wireless providers.\r\nThe Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction is part of a broader effort by the FCC to close the digital divide in rural America. In October 2020, the Commission adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over the next decade to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America.\r\nMore information on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction is available at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904, including complete auction results and a map of winning bids.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401688", "@MyKitchenTable - December 8, 2020", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "@MyKitchenTable: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 \r\nDear Friend: \r\nThose of you that know me a little bit know my spirit for the Michigan Wolverines, and I've been often quoted that when they lose, I sleep in the basement at everyone in my family's bequest. Even John Kerry, when we both served on the Super Committee told me that he began to root for Michigan as I was in a much better mood on Monday, if they won. Last week, my quote was one that \"I would rather try and lose than lose without trying.\" Though I certainly regret the reason why, I am overjoyed that Michigan will not lose at Columbus this Saturday - especially as a 30-point underdog, and my socks will not be thrown at the TV. Let's hope they all recover from this dreadful COVID pandemic. \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            On the House floor yesterday (removed my mask only for speaking)\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nWe are in the throes of the lame duck session with lots of issues coming to a head. The 21 Fiscal Year began Oct. 1 and a Continuing Resolution (CR) was signed by the president preventing a shutdown and extending funding through Dec. 11. The Appropriations Committee has failed to produce an extension for the balance of the Fiscal Year and to prevent a shutdown, we will likely pass a 7-day extension on Wednesday which will require a 2/3 vote for passage (thus no amendments can be offered and will not require a simple majority for passage). Funding continues therefore without increases or decreases at FY 20 levels. Hopefully an agreement can be passed completing the funding for FY 21 next week. Likely coupled with that will be elements of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) $908B initiative that we unveiled last week. Aid for small businesses (PPP), broadband, health care providers, unemployment funding, educators, state/local funding (no money to bail out pension funds or past deficits...only itemized losses of tax revenuesales and gas taxeswould qualify), and liability protections, are the main sections of our proposal, and we expect to release those individual sections within the next 24 hours or so. Our main sticking point is trying to write the liability provisions and have failed so far to come together with the proper language.  Mitch McConnell announced last Spring that liability protections would need to be a part of the proposal to advance through the Senate. Without language there, it could well be that the funds to help our municipalities revenue losses would also drop out and therefore provide a force to ensure that both topics would gain traction in a Biden Administration to be addressed in February or March.  I spoke on a conference call as a guest on the PPP Forgiveness Coalition with more than 150 industry stakeholder organizations for an update which included the US chamber, American Farm Bureau, Independent Community Bankers, Home Builders, Realtors, and NFIB. I let them know that I would be posting the sections on this website of the COVID package when available.  One major element that the PSC had in our September COVID proposal that is not in the present one are individual stimulus checks. Bernie Sanders conceded yesterday that the democrats held up the COVID package in September as the Republicans would get credit prior to the election for the individual checks. CNN host Jake Tapper asked Sanders whether it was a mistake for Democrats to walk away from the White House's $1.8T, which included the individual payments when Speaker Pelosi was proposing a $2.2T.  The bar was then lowered to <$1T and the individual stimulus checks do not fit within that window. Included in the PPP provisions are the tax-free consequences for small businesses that took advantage of the program last spring. I have heard from a good number of small businesses who have barely held on that wonder if they still can if they are then liable for perhaps a 30% tax on those loans/grants. CNN reported that as many as 10,000 restaurants are expected to close in the next 3 week with 17% (110,000) already permanently closed in 20. It is paramount that the signal is sent ASAP to all the PPP recipients as we close out 2020 that there will be no tax consequence. You can see that CNN story HERE. HHS has released a number of important dates this next week (ie: FDA Vaccine Advisory Board will meet 12/10 to discuss the Emergency Use AuthorizationEUAfor Pfizer's vaccine) which you can see HERE. Today I announced that the FCC spectrum auction expanded broadband to some 16,280 southwest Michigan rural homes and businesses allocating some $13M to help close the digital divide. FCC Chair Pai said, We structured this innovative and groundbreaking auction to prioritize bids for high-speed, low-latency service to deliver the best results for rural Americans....and the Commissions single largest step ever taken toward delivering digital opportunity to every American... You can read more HERE. We are nearly 4 years to the day of President Obama signing 21st Century Cures into law. I was then Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Diana DeGette (D-CO) and I led the legislative path for this bipartisan legislation to be enacted. She and I zoomed today with the Milken Institute Health Summit on an update of the 21st Century Cures legislation that we hope to pass in the next Congress which we call Cures, 2.0. It was moderated by Politico, and we referenced that we truly expedited the approvals of drugs and devices keeping the important FDA safeguards and looking back, can probably claim that we shaved many months off what would have been the approval process for a COVID vaccine. You can see that 30-minute zoom call HERE. Lastly, last night I led a 30-minute Special Order on the House Floor (photo at the top) honoring my successor, Greg Walden (R-OR) as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, who is retiring with this Congress. Democrats and Republicans praised his bipartisan leadership on a host of issues impacting Americans with opioid, telecommunication, community health centers, and Children's Health among other pieces of important legislation. You can see that C-SPAN 30 minute broadcast HERE. All the best, \r\n  \r\n  \r\nFred Upton", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-8", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 8", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 8, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 daysuntil December 20the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lawrence-statement-house-passage-annual-defense-authorization-bill", "Rep. Lawrence Statement on House Passage of the  Annual Defense Authorization Bill", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement after the House passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, in a strong bipartisan vote.\nFor six decades, Congress has passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure our military stands ready in the face of growing threats facing our country, said Rep. Lawrence. This year, I am thrilled that, in a bipartisan manner, Congress has included language that would establish an independent commission to make binding recommendations to remove names and symbols of the Confederacy from all assets of the Department of Defense, which is long overdue. Additionally, this legislation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our service men and women by including a three percent pay increase and strengthens the paid parental leave provisions included in last year's NDAA. The legislation includes many wins for women and families, including paid family leave; greater child care availability and funding, protections to ensure that the career of a servicemember is not unduly affected by pregnancy or childbirth; measures to create a task force on domestic violence within the military services; and much more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-announces-19-million-grant-award-provide-community", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Announces $1.9 Million Grant Award to Provide Community Health Services in Detroit", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Detroit, MIToday, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) announced agrant award worth$1,928,131toCovenant Community Care, Inc.from the Department of Health and Human Servicesas a part of its Health Center Cluster Program. This programfunds community-based health centers to providehigh-quality,comprehensive,andculturally competentprimary healthcare services.\nAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise, healthcare providers will need financial support to help facilitate care for their patients, said Rep. Lawrence. Although several vaccine candidates have announced promising data, we cannot let up on our commitment to wear masks, social distance, and follow best practices as advised by public health experts. Health centers across Michigan are working around the clock to care forthe thousands of Michigandersdiagnosed with COVID-19, and this grant will provide essential resources to do just that as Covenant Community Care continues to fulfill its mission to serve the Detroit community.\n\n###\n\nBackground:\n The Department of Health and Human Services is providing $1,928,131in grants toCovenant Community Care, Inc.through its Health Center Cluster Program;\n\tCovenant Community Care, Inc.providesquality, affordable health care to the Detroit community.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-issues-statement-threats-against-michigan-secretary", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Issues Statement on Threats Against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement after armed protestors approached the home of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, touting threats of violence and intimidation because of the Michigan election results.\nI am deeply saddened and disturbed by the actions displayed by the violent protestors who showed up to Secretary Benson's home, putting her and her family at risk of being harmed. She has worked tirelessly this election cycle to ensure the protection and security of each citizen's right to vote. The votes have been counted, and the public has spoken to elect Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. We will not allow protestors, or anyone, attempt to silence voters and attack the democracy we work so hard to defend. I wish Secretary Benson and her family the best.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-mourns-loss-wayne-county-commissioner-jewel-ware", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Mourns the Loss of Wayne County Commissioner Jewel Ware", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Detroit, MI  Today, Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement regarding the passing of District 2 Wayne County Commissioner Jewel Ware.\nI am extremely saddened by the news of Commissioner Ware's untimely passing. During her career, Ware dedicated herself to public service. In addition to the Wayne County Commission, where she served for a time as chair, she was on numerous civic and nonprofit boards. Her tireless work in the community for seniors, health care and children greatly improved the quality of life for Wayne County residents, said Rep. Lawrence. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and staff during this difficult time. As a dear friend and colleague, I know she will truly be missed by all.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mitchell-applauds-house-passage-ndaa", "Mitchell Applauds House Passage of NDAA", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Paul Mitchell", "M001201", "mitchell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House passed the final version of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, commonly known as the NDAA:\n\n\"Today I was proud to vote for the NDAA, a bill that fulfills Congress' core duty of providing for the common defense and supports the men and women of our armed forces. Once this year's NDAA becomes law it will be the 60th straight year this has been accomplished.\n\nI'm particularly pleased this year's NDAA contains provisions based on my No Passport Fees for Heroes Family's Act, legislation I wrote that will make it easier for family members to visit injured servicemen and women overseas. The bill also contains provisions I offered that would address deficiencies in the Department of Defense's basing process for headquarters, units, and weapons systems  such as the F-35  and measures that will help modernize our military by bringing innovative thinkers and companies into the Department of Defense via National Security Innovation Partnerships.\n\nEarlier this year I also worked with my colleagues across the aisle on a measure that will require all federal law enforcement personnel to display their name and identification on their uniforms, which adds necessary transparency whenever federal authorities are used. Finally, the NDAA contains many other important provisions, such as a pay raise for our troops, new tools to deter China and Russia, a prohibition on retiring A-10s,and protections for America's supply chain.\n\nToday's bipartisan vote affirms the importance of the NDAA for our military personnel and national security. I call on the Senate to pass this vital legislation as fast as possible and for President Trump to sign it into law.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mitchell-applauds-wrda-passage-and-brandon-road-authorization", "Mitchell Applauds WRDA Passage and Brandon Road Authorization", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Paul Mitchell", "M001201", "mitchell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement after the House passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020:\nThis year's WRDA continues important federal commitments to our nation's ports, harbors, and inland waterways that are key to growing our economy and protecting our communities. I am pleased it passed in the House and am especially proud it approves the critical Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, which is long overdue and something I have worked on since coming to Congress. Michiganders know the devastating impact Asian Carp would have on the Great Lakes and approval of the Brandon Road project is a huge win for Michigan and the entire region.\nI look forward to the swift consideration of this bill by my colleagues in the Senate so President Trump can sign this vital legislation into law.\n\nBackground:\n WRDA 2020 (S. 1811)is bipartisan, bicameral legislation that includes projects of national, regional, and local significance.\n\tS. 1811 represents an agreement between House and Senate committees on final WRDA language, based in part on H.R. 7575, which passed the House by voice vote in July 2020.\n\tWRDA provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water resources development projects and studies, as well as reforms and policy direction to the Corps for implementation of its civil works missions.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-7", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 7", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 7, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be foundhere.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lawrence-adams-connolly-lynch-and-others-request-investigation", "Reps. Lawrence, Adams, Connolly, Lynch, and Others Request Investigation into Decline of USPSs On-Time Mail", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), and Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) led 71of their House colleaguesin sending a letter to the United States Postal Service Inspector General to request an investigation intothe decline in on-time mail delivery in the weeks leading up to the November 2020 Election.\nThroughout the pandemic, and even as states enacted stay-at-home orders, Postal Service employees have consistently risked their own health and safety to report to work in order to serve as a crucial lifeline to millions of Americans nationwide. Since his hiring, however, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has irresponsibly enacted a series of flawed operational changes that have slowed mail delivery times and significantly undermined the efforts of the more than 600,000 Postal Service employees who have worked tirelessly to promptly and efficiently deliver mail. During the 2020 election season, the American public's confidence in one of its most trusted agencies faltered as Mr. DeJoy's changes caused considerable delays in delivery times of mail, including ballots.\nLess than a week before the election, Postal Service on-time delivery numbers showed a significant drop in the agency's ability to deliver ballots before Election Day, creating the possibility that countless ballots nationwide might not be delivered on time,wrote the Members.This trend is emblematic of the decline in service performance in 17 postal districts nationwide that may impact the ability of thousands of Americans to have their votes counted in this election.\nThe Members requested that Inspector General Tammy Whitcomb conduct an immediate investigation into the origins of mail delivery delays and the impacts they had on the timely arrival of mail-in ballots.\nWhile conducting this investigation, we ask that you complete a full accounting of any corrective actions taken by local Postal Service employees to ensure that all ballots were delivered as quickly as possible in districts nationwide that experienced a decrease in on-time mail deliveryincluding any actions taken by senior Postal Service officials to impede these efforts,wrote the Representatives.Members specifically requested that Inspector General Whitcomb evaluate whetherand specifically howthe Postal Service complied with Postmaster General DeJoy's announcement that he would be suspending operational changes until after the election, and what additional resources Postmaster General DeJoy authorized as part of his October 1 directive.\nAs the pandemic rages on, it is critical the cause of these delays be fully known so that the Postal Service can continue to fulfill its essential functions for Americans, including its role in a nationwide effort to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, life-saving medication, and e-commerce in the coming months.\nThe full list of signers includes Representatives Alma Adams, Sanford Bishop, Earl Blumenauer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Andr Carson, Ed Case, Kathy Castor, David Cicilline, Yvette Clarke, Wm. Lacy Clay, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, Gerald Connolly, Jim Cooper, Jim Costa, Peter DeFazio, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Mike Doyle, Bill Foster, Marcia Fudge, Jimmy Gomez, Ral Grijalva, Deb Haaland, Alcee Hastings, Jared Huffman, Hank Johnson, Marcy Kaptur, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Daniel Kildee, Raja Krishnamoorthi, James Langevin, John Larson, Brenda Lawrence, Al Lawson, Barbara Lee, Ted Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Stephen Lynch, Carolyn Maloney, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Stephanie Murphy, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frank Pallone, Jimmy Panetta, Chellie Pingree, Katie Porter, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Tim Ryan, Linda Snchez, John Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Adam Smith, Jackie Speier, Thomas Suozzi, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Rashida Tlaib, Lauren Underwood, Nydia Velzquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Peter Welch, and Jennifer Wexton.\nLink to letter can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-caucus-education-innovation-and-opportunity-announces-rep", "Congressional Caucus on Education Innovation and Opportunity Announces Rep. Moolenaar as the Next House Co-Chair", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Paul Mitchell", "M001201", "mitchell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10) and Sen. Tim Scott (SC)released the following statement today after announcing Rep. John Moolenaar (MI-04) will be the House Co-Chair for the Congressional Caucus on Education Innovation and Opportunity in the 117th Congress:\n\nCongressman Moolenaar is a strong advocate for ensuring every child has access to a quality education that prepares them for future success. He understands the needs of children and their families are unique, and they should have access to schooling that is best suited to serve those individual needs. Parents should have the freedom to choose which educational model works best for their children, and I know Congressman Moolenaar will continue fighting to advance this mission said current caucus House Co-ChairRepresentative Mitchell.\n\nFor the past decade, I have fought for School Choice legislation. I am a firm believer that a child's zip code should not dictate his or her access to quality education nor define the child's future,\" said Senator Tim Scott. I'm glad to welcome Congressman Moolenaar as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Education Innovation and Opportunity. I look forward to working together to ensure that parents have the right to choose the best path for their children.\n\nStudents and parents deserve the freedom to choose the educational opportunities that are best for them, especially so they can overcome the obstacles to education that were created by the pandemic. I look forward to working with Senator Scott in the next term to empower families as they face new challenges in education, said Representative Moolenaar. Congressman Mitchell was an outstanding leader on this issue and I am thankful for the work he has done as co-chair of the caucus.\n\nThe Congressional Caucus on Education Innovation and Opportunity is made up of 30 House and Senate members and promotes the expansion of educational options in order to meet students' unique learning styles and expose them to diverse post-graduate opportunities. The Caucus was previously known as the Congressional School Choice Caucus.\n\nIn July 2019, Rep. Mitchell announced he would not seek reelection and that at the end of the 116th Congress he would retire from Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-6", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 6", "2020-12-06", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, December6, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be foundhere.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-5", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 5", "2020-12-05", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saturday, December 5, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be foundhere.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be foundhere.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401208", "Huizenga Backed Bill to Protect Great Lakes, Preserve Environmentally Sensitive Areas Passes House", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, the House unanimously passed S. 1342, the Great Lakes Environmental Sensitivity Index Act. This bipartisan legislation is designed to modernize the environmental sensitivity index maps for the Great Lakes region, which haven't been updated in over 20 years. These maps are critical to respond to a natural disaster, restore habitat, and protect infrastructure, homes, and public lands impacted by high water and erosion. The legislation was introduced by Congressman Dan Kildee in the House and by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate. While the Great Lakes hold over 20% of the world's freshwater, provide drinking water to more than 48 million people, support over 1.3 million jobs, and generate billions upon billions of dollars in economic activity, the environmental maps for the Great Lakes region have not been updated in more than 20 years, said Congressman Bill Huizenga. This bipartisan legislation would provide a critical update so we can better protect public infrastructure from erosion, properly plan in case of an emergency, and more effectively restore habitat for endangered species. Congressman Huizenga, who serves as Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, was the lead Republican in the House on this bipartisan effort and spoke in support of prioritizing the Great Lakes. Video of Congressman Huizenga's speech as well as a transcript of his remarks are available below.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCongressman Bill Huizenga: In the midst of a divided Washington, it's important that Congress comes together to prioritize the protection of the Great Lakes.   \r\nAs co-chair of the Great Lakes task force, building bipartisan consensus that preserves the Great Lakes, strengthens their economy, and protects them for future generations has been one of my top priorities.  While the Environmental Sensitivity Index maps may not be headline grabbing legislation, these maps are critical to communities across the Great Lakes.   \r\nWe must have accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk of severe damage from an emergency or a natural disaster.  These environmental assessments include information on endangered and threatened species, vulnerable shorelines, and widely used community resources such as beaches, parks, and boat ramps.  The maps are vital to disaster planning as well as recovery, research, and restoration efforts. It is essential that we have an accurate representation of vulnerable locations and areas in the Great Lakes that are need of protection in the event of an emergency. While maps for the east coast, west coast, and gulf coast have all been updated recently, maps for the Great Lakes have not been updated in over twenty years. To be clear - while the Great Lakes hold over 20% of the world's freshwater, provide drinking water to more than 48 million people, support over 1.3 million jobs, and generate billions upon billions of dollars in economic activity  yet as I stated before, our region hasn't had a proper environmental map update in more than two decades.   \r\nThis legislation, which I am proud cosponsor, would solve this problem by modernizing and updating our maps of the Great Lakes.  Along Lake Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes shoreline, the current state of erosion and high-water damage is at a crisis point.  In my district, along the shores of Lake Michigan, the high-water levels are a threat to people's homes and public infrastructure, but the overall ecology and economy of the Great Lakes.  Communities throughout the region have declared state of emergencies as roads, bridges, harbors, and wastewater treatment facilities, to name just a few, are in danger due to high-water levels.  As we continue to see disasters and emergencies in the Great Lakes region, government at all levels must be prepared and have up to date information to act upon. This bipartisan bill would help accomplish that while demonstrating another way my Michigan colleagues and I are making sure the federal government prioritizes, protects, and preserves the Great Lakes.  Whether it is responding to rapidly evolving events such as a natural disaster or planning long term projects such as habitat restoration, we need to have reliable and accurate information available.  When it comes to protecting our lakes, habitats, and shorelines, these updated maps will allow us to better prepare to face natural disasters or emergencies.  Having this updated information will help us analyze and assess the threats facing the Great Lakes and allows us to be more proactive instead 100% reactive.  The Great Lakes are a way of life for many in West Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes system. These pristine resources help define who we are as a community. I will continue to work, support, and advocate for common sense reforms like today's legislation that will protect these incredible natural resources for generations to come.  I do want to thank my fellow colleagues, Mr. Kildee of Michigan, Mr. Joyce from Ohio, and the Great Lakes Task Force. This has been a great bipartisan success story as we have looked at increasing funding to protect the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) as well as through initiatives like this.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-4", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 4", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 4, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kildee-leads-pushes-more-federal-resources-clean-toxic-pfas-chemicals", "Rep. Kildee Leads Pushes for More Federal Resources to Clean Up Toxic PFAS Chemicals", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, todayled a bipartisanletter,signed by 58 other Members of Congress, to House and Senate Appropriations Committees, in support of robust funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21) spending bill to protect communities fromharmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. The letter outlines tens of millions of dollars in efforts to urgently address PFAS chemicals and ensure clean water.\nPFASchemicals have been found in our drinking water because of their use in firefighting foam and other commercial products. HarmfulPFASchemicals have been linked to serious health effects, including high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Furthermore, there is preliminary evidence thatPFASchemicals could exacerbate the effects of COVID-19, the letter reads.\nCongressman Kildee has worked with Republicans and Democrats at all levels of government to address PFAS chemical contamination. As the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, Kildee has previously introduced legislation to set anational drinking water standardforPFAS,fundclean-up effortsanddetect PFAS contaminationat other sites across the country. In January, Kildee also championed the passage of thePFAS Action Actthrough the House.\nBelow is the full text of theletter:\nChairwoman Lowey, Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Granger and Vice Chairman Leahy:\nAs you work to complete funding for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21), we write in support of funding for the following provisions in this year's FY 21 full-year appropriations bill. This funding will help to protect our communities from harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals.\nPFASchemicals have been found in our drinking water because of their use in firefighting foam and other commercial products. HarmfulPFASchemicals have been linked to serious health effects, including high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Furthermore, there is preliminary evidence thatPFASchemicals could exacerbate the effects of COVID-19.\nTherefore, we ask the following provisions be included in a final FY 21 full-year appropriations bill to help our communities protect themselves from harmfulPFASchemicals:\nDefense Appropriations Bill\n $83.1 million across Defense Department accounts to cleanupPFAScontamination at active military installations, including National Guard facilities;\n\t\t$11 million for the Navy Base Operations Support\n\t\t\t$8 million for the Army Base Operations Support\n\t\t\t$47.6 million for Army National Guard Base Operations Support\n\t\t\t$16.5 million for Air National Guard Base Operations Support\n\t\t\n\t$15 million for the continuation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's study on health exposure of defense communities affected byPFAS;\n\t$2.5 million for the Navy to develop a new military specification for fluorine free aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).\n\t$5 million for an AFFF innovation prize to incentive new research to meet the requirement of fielding aPFAS-free AFFF alternative by 2024.\n\t$50 million in research and development funding for both for the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) to develop and field-testPFASremediation, treatment and disposal technologies.\n\tA requirement that the Pentagon report to Congress on its program to test the blood of military firefighters forPFASas part of their annual physical, set to begin in October.\n\tA requirement that the Pentagon publicly release the levels ofPFAScontamination found at each installation.\n\tA requirement that the Pentagon report to Congress on the expected and actual costs associated with investigating and cleaning upPFASat active military sites.\n Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill\n At least $200 million within the Base Realignment and Closure Account to increase the pace of cleanup at former military installations affected byPFAS.\n\tA requirement that the Pentagon regularly report to Congress on the progress being made identifying and remediating PFOS/PFOA at closed military installations, including estimating current and future costs and timelines for remediation.\n\tA requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue collaborating with the Defense Department'sPFASTask Force, academia, and other health institutions to monitor the health effects fromPFAS.\n\tA provision encouraging the VA to establish and maintain a registry for veterans who may have been exposed toPFASdue to exposure to AFFF during their military service.\n Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill\n At least $14.5 million in additional funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) scientific and regulatory work onPFAS, including:\n\t\t$2.5 million to support EPA's regulatory work needed to designatePFASchemicals as hazardous substances under the Superfund law.\n\t\t\t$2.487 million for the development of wastewater standards, also known as Effluent Limitation Guidelines, forPFASchemicals.\n\t\t\t$1.5 million for setting Maximum Contaminant Levels forPFASin drinking water.\n\t\t\t$1.4 million to support the reporting ofPFASreleases into the air and water under the Toxic Release Inventory, as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\t\t\t$3.5 million to help support research needs onPFASin air, agriculture settings andHealth and Environmental Risk Assessments.\n\t\t\t$2 million to study the relationship betweenPFASexposure and susceptibility to COVID-19.\n\t\t\t$1.2 million to support U.S. Geologic Survey's work to monitor waterways forPFAS, as required by the 2020 NDAA.\n\t\t\n\t$15 million for the multipurpose grant program included in the FY 20 appropriations bill, requiring that funds be used for assisting states with their regulatory, cleanup and remediation responses toPFAScontamination.\n Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill\n A provision directing the FDA to review any new scientific information pertaining toPFASchemicals and determine whetherPFASchemicals currently allowed for use as a food contact substance in food packaging continue to meet the safety standard of a reasonable certainty of no harm under the intended conditions of use.\n Thank you and we look forward to working with you on protecting our communities from harmfulPFASchemicals.\nSincerely,\nRepresentative Daniel T. Kildee (MI-05), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), RepresentativeNanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At-Large), Representative Donald Beyer (VA-08), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Representative David Cicilline (RI-01), Representative Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Representative Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Representative Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Representative Deb Haaland (NM-01), Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Representative Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Representative Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), Representative Andy Levin (MI-09), Representative Andy Kim (NJ-03), Representative Elaine G. Luria (VA-02), Representative Ron Kind (WI-03), Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Representative Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Representative Jess G. \"Chuy\" Garca (IL-04), Representative A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Representative Linda T. Snchez (CA-38), Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Representative Robert C. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), Representative Brad Sherman (CA-30), Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Representative Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14), Representative Bill Posey (FL-08), Representative Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Representative Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Representative Kathleen M. Rice (NY-04), Representative Mark Takano (CA-41), Representative David Rouzer (NC-07), Representative Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20), Representative David Trone (MD-06), Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51), Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03), Representative Peter Welch (VT-At-Large)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-3", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 3", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 3, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-kildee-legislation-protect-great-lakes-oil-spills-and-natural", "House Passes Kildee Legislation to Protect Great Lakes from Oil Spills and Natural Disasters", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage ofS. 1342, theGreat Lakes Environmental Sensitivity Index Act, legislation he co-authored with Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). This bipartisan legislation prioritizes and updates federal mapping of the Great Lakes, which are used torespond to emergencies and protect habitat, species and structures that are most likely to be impacted by a potential oil spill or other major disaster.\nThe Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps for the Great Lakes are maintained by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA announced at a field hearing that the agency updated the ESI maps for two specific priority areas in the Great Lakes, including the Mackinac Straits. Other maps in the Great Lakes, however, have not been updated in over two decades.ESI maps are detailed guides that highlight vulnerable locations, structures and natural resources near the lakeshore.\nThe Great Lakes support many Michigan jobs, generate billions of dollars in economic activity and provide drinking water for over 40 million people. We must do everything we can to protect them from harm, Congressman Kildee said. If an oil spill or natural disaster occurs in the Great Lakes, our emergency responders must have up-to-date maps and information in order to act quickly and effectively. I am proud to represent 118 miles of beautiful Lake Huron shoreline and in Congress, I will always work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our Great Lakes.\nThe Great Lakes are not only an economic engine and treasured environmental resource  they are simply in our DNA as Michiganders, Senator Peters said.It is critical for Michigan and our entire country that protection efforts for the Great Lakes are provided the same resources and attention as other major bodies of water and shorelines. I applaud the House for passing my bipartisan legislation to help equip our scientists and researchers with more tools and data to protect our Great Lakes for generations to come.\nRepublicans and Democrats in both chambers support the legislation. Representatives David Joyce (OH-14), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Fred Upton (MI-03) and Haley Stevens (MI-12) also co-sponsored the legislation in the House. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) co-sponsored in the Senate.\nSince coming to Congress, Kildee has fought to protect ourGreatLakes, including securing$335million in funding forthe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)and successfully stoppinga proposed Canadian nuclear waste storage facility that would have been located less than one mile from Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-grant-support-rural-health-care", "Moolenaar Welcomes Grant to Support Rural Health Care", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new grant of $1,387,769for MidMichigan Health Services in Houghton Lake. This grant for MidMichigan Health will help it confront the health issues facing our rural communities, includingthe opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic,\" said Congressman John Moolenaar.\"While the pandemic has received a lot of attention, the opioid epidemic has alsobeen a seriouschallengeas residents have dealt with increased anxiety and social isolation.This funding for MidMichigan Health will help it serve all the needs of our rural communities and maintain access to quality health services for residents.\" The grant is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at the Department of Health and Human Services.The program supports community health centers across the nation and additional information on the grant is attached to this press release.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thursday-night-house-democrats-enjoy-high-times-while-michigan-small", "Thursday Night in the House: Democrats Enjoy High Times While Michigan Small Businesses Struggle", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, House Democratsdefeated amotion on the floor ofthe House of Representatives that would haveallowed for the House toimmediately considerH.R. 8265. That bill would help small businesses access a new round of funding from the Paycheck Protection Program as theyfight tosurviveduring the COVID-19 pandemic.\nInstead, Democrats opted to proceed to debate on a bill that would decriminalize marijuana. Congressman John Moolenaar is a co-sponsor of H.R. 8265 and he voted to bring the bill up forimmediate considerationbecause he understands the importance of helping Michigan small businesses as the country now enters the ninth month of thepandemic. H.R. 8265 would immediately re-open the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and allow them to access $138 billion in forgivable loans. The legislationalsoensures funding is specifically availablefor small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. \"While state shutdowns hurt locally-owned restaurants and their employees, House Democrats are wasting precious timeinstead of immediately re-opening thePaycheck Protection Program and helping Michigan families,\" said Congressman Moolenaar. The Paycheck Protection Program has already injected more than$15 billion into Michigan's economy and recent research by Bloomberg News found that PPP funding went to more than 7,000 small businesses in the Fourth District, supporting nearly 94 percent of the small business jobs in the 15-county area.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kildee-appointed-chief-deputy-whip-democratic-caucus", "Congressman Kildee Appointed Chief Deputy Whip of Democratic Caucus", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today was once again appointed by his Democratic colleagues to serve as Chief Deputy Whip in the 117thCongress. The leadership role for Kildee will allow him to better advocate for Michigan families, workers and small businesses in the Fifth Congressional District as well as help lead the Democratic Caucus in the new term of Congress.\nThe position, appointed by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, is responsible for mobilizing Members of Congress on legislation before they come to the floor to be voted on. The Chief Deputy Whip acts as an important liaison between Members of Congress and Leadership and helps leads the caucus to build support for Democratic priorities.\nI am humbled and honored to continue serving as Chief Deputy Whip for the House Democratic Caucus. I am eager to get to work with the incoming Biden Administration and our Democratic majority in the House on the important issues facing families, including defeating the coronavirus, rebuilding our economy and improving our crumbling infrastructure. I look forward to bringing the voices of Michiganders and the Midwest to the leadership table in the next Congress, Congressman Kildee said.\nI am pleased that Dan has agreed to serve again as a Chief Deputy Whip in the 117thCongress.Dan has been an active member of the Whip organization and an effective advocate for our Democratic agenda. I look forward to continue working with him in collaboration with the Biden administration to advance our priorities,House Majority Whip Congressman Clyburn (SC-06)said.\nIn addition to serving as Chief Deputy Whip, Kildee serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and House Budget Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-2", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 2", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 2, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiativewill provide $10 million in grants to meet the needs of Michigan small businesses impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business. More information can be found here.\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-watch-tiger-king-while-michigan-families-need-help", "House Democrats Watch \"Tiger King\" While Michigan Families Need Help", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is planning for the House of Representatives to vote on legislation that will ban Americans from privately owning large cats  lions, tigers, jaguars, etc The legislation is scheduled for a vote on Thursday and it is inspired by situations like the one covered in the Tiger King documentary. Meanwhile, families and small business owners across the country have been calling for Congress to pass additional COVID relief. Congressman John Moolenaar has been working to bring relief to suffering families and small business owners, especially those who need help because of the business closings imposed by state government. He supports H.R. 8265, a bill thatwould re-open the Paycheck Protection Program and allow businesses to receive asecond, forgivable loan. The legislationalsoensures specific funding is availablefor small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Speaker Pelosi is watching Tiger King,' while Michigan families need help paying their bills and small businesses face permanent closure, said CongressmanMoolenaar. There is $138 billion in the Paycheck Protection Program that has already been approved by Congress, but Speaker Pelosi is blocking a vote that would re-open the program and let small businesses receive immediate relief. Let's vote on that bill and start getting help to those who need it most without the pork the Democrats want.\nThe Paycheck Protection Program has already injected more than$15 billion into Michigan's economy and recent research by Bloomberg News found that PPP funding went to more than 7,000 small businesses in the Fourth District, supporting nearly 94 percent of the small business jobs in the 15-county area. Americans have consistently said the economy is their number one priority. At the same time,polls have found no indication that additional Congressional regulation of felines is a priority for the American people.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-december-1", "Coronavirus Daily Update: December 1", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 1, 2020\nDear Constituent\nThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\nThese 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.\nWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be found here.\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be found here.\nThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be found here.\n\nCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\nThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be found here.\nThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\nUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be found here.\nUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be found here.\nThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\nAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be found here.\nOn May 1, I introduced TheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsAct to expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included in The Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\nUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\nHOUSING UPDATE\nGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step video here for homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\nThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the order here, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and information here.\n\nCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\nThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.\nThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\nThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\nPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\nMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\nFlint 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 visithere.\n\nLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\nOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be found here.\nOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be found here.\nOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act. TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\nOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill, TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\nCongress has also passed theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/air-cargo-caucus-announces-rep-brian-mast-co-chair-117th-congress", "Air Cargo Caucus Announces Rep. Brian Mast as Co-Chair for the 117th Congress", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Paul Mitchell", "M001201", "mitchell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18), and Gina Zuckerman of the Cargo Airline Association made the following statement announcing Rep. Mast will be the new Air Cargo Caucus Co-Chair in the 117th Congress:\n\nThe air cargo industry is a vital part of the global economy, and without it 21st century commerce would not be what it is today. As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I had the opportunity to work with many air cargo stakeholders and focus on related policy issues, said Air Cargo Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mitchell. That is why I co-founded the Air Cargo Caucus with Rep. Bustos. This caucus plays an important role in our work as Representatives, and while my time in Congress and as Co-Chair is coming to an end, I know the caucus is in good hands with Rep. Mast. I thank Co-Chair Bustos for being an excellent partner in this effort, as well as all the stakeholders and staff for lending their expertise.\n\nI thank Representative Mitchell for his bipartisan partnership and service as Co-Chair of the Air Cargo Caucus, said Air Cargo Caucus Co-Chair Representative Bustos. It has been a pleasure working with him to create a platform for our region's leaders to share best practices and connect with folks from across America to advance issues related to the industry. As we prepare for the next Congress, I look forward to serving alongside Representative Mast and welcome him to this new role. I am excited for what the future of this caucus can accomplish together.\n\nThere's no doubt that the air cargo industry is a critical component of our local, state, and global economies. In Florida alone, the industry supports more than 625,000 jobs and creates over $4 billion in revenue. These numbers are only going to grow larger as our national and global economies expand, which is what makes the Air Cargo Caucus so important, Representative Mast said. Thank you to Representatives Mitchell and Bustos for entrusting me with the role of co-chair. There is a lot of work to be done, and I could not be more excited to get started!\n\nWe are thankful for Representative Mitchell's leadership that enabled the Air Cargo Caucus to thrive since its formation in 2019 and look forward to working with Representative Mast as he assumes his new co-chair role, said Gina Zuckerman, Vice President of Legislative Policy for the Cargo Airline Association. The Air Cargo Caucus is proof that a bipartisan group of Members can coalesce in support of a shared topic, and we anticipate growing its ranks in the 117th Congress as the Caucus continues to highlight the impact that air cargo plays throughout the country.\n\nBackground:\nThe Air Cargo Caucus was launched in March 2019 by Rep. Mitchell and Rep. Bustos. The bipartisan House of Representatives caucus has 42 members and was formed to enhance relations with the all-cargo community, give Members the opportunity to specialize on issues impacting carriers, and allow collaboration on these issues with fellow Members of Congress. It helps educate Members and staff about the air cargo industry and the impact is has on regions, the nation, and the world.\nIn July 2019, Rep. Mitchell announced he would not seek reelection and that at the end of the 116th Congress he would retire from Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401684", "@MyKitchenTable - November 30, 2020", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "@MyKitchenTable: Monday, November 30, 2020 \r\nDear Friend: \r\nI was elected by my GOP colleagues to represent my region on the Steering Committee as we select our GOP Ranking Members (top Republican on each of the Standing Committees and later to slot the new Members on the Committees. Newt Gingrich scrapped the old seniority system years ago and since then, aspiring Members compete for these positions and are re-evaluated every two years with a 6-year term limit. I was Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee for 6 years). Those presentations begin Tuesday and based on our recommendations will be ratified by the full GOP Conference on Thursday. There are 35 votes on the Steering Committee and thus the race to a majority (18) began some time ago. As I write this tonight, a lot is going on. A favorite quote I have used frequently is, I would rather try and fail rather than fail without trying. As we all see the statistics around the country and feel the anguish by so many Americans whether they be business owners, workers, families, and our cherished health care workers at every level, we know that this pandemic did not end last Easter and will not be over by Christmas or New Years. In the meantime, we as a Congress need to provide a lifeline to our nation until we can conquer this monster with a vaccine and proper testing. And, because of divided government, we all know the only equation that can work is one that is bipartisan. As you have followed the course of events since last spring, you should remember that the first number of COVID versions were all signed into law by the president and passed by overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate. Trillions of dollars for small businesses with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, monies for states, schools, hospitals and health care workers, PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), monies to develop new testing devices and incentives to develop the vaccines under Operation Warp Speed, monies for the airlines, and the list goes on to try and save the economy. But then we hit a major speed bump as the pandemic lasted much longer than anyone wanted it. Partisan politics took over and everything was stalled...for months. The bipartisan Problem Solver's Caucus (PSC) stepped up over Labor Day and offered a path forward that could break the gridlock. Unfortunately, the votes were not there in the Senate to proceed and the November election was soon upon us. Now, as we try and extend the Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent another government shutdown which expires Dec. 11, the PSC is at it again. And as I write this Monday night, I am hoping that our group will indeed embrace yet another proposal that passes the bipartisan litmus test that can provide the needed assistance to carry us into 2021 with real help for our small businesses coupled with liability relief, health care institutions and their hero workers, unemployed, airline and travel and hospitality industry, local units of government (no pension bailouts), educators, and better broadband deployment. Our PSC rules are that 75% of us on both sides of the aisle have to agree for us to move forward, and I am encouraged that we will get there with our discussions tonight with our group and a number of Senators who share our view.  Stay tuned!! No time to waste for so many that our hurting and looking for help.  Michigan's COVID-19 numbers were inching in the right direction but now appear to be back on the wrong track. The seven-day average positivity rate is now at 13%, up from 12.8% late last week. You can read more in MLIVE HERE. Michigan's total number of COVID-19 cases is north of 375K, and we are approaching 10K COVID-19 deaths, a truly tragic number. In fact, the 1,696 confirmed coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan since Nov. 1 made it the state's deadliest month in the pandemic since April, and you can see more in MLIVE HERE. Here in SW MI, the situation is grim. In Allegan, Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass counties, the positivity rate is above 16%. It is at 11% in Kalamazoo and 12% in St. Joe County, both slightly below the statewide averages. My team and I remain in constant contact with public health leaders, hospital staff, first responders, and community leaders as it is all hands on deck trying to get this outbreak under control. Their message is all the same - we need everyone to do their part. Wear your mask, avoid social gatherings, and be safe! Hospitals in our area are still pushing capacity with COVID cases and staffing may become an issue down the road if we don't flatten the curve. Folks should not put off seeing a doctor or going to the hospital if they think they need to. It is safe to go and hospital-acquired infections are low. There is good-news on the vaccine front. Moderna announced this morning they will apply today to the U.S. FDA for authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine. Their vaccine is reportedly 94.1% effective at preventing COVID-19 and 100% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease, which you can read more about HERE. Moderna is the second company to apply for the EUA after Pfizer applied for theirs on November 20. The FDA is scheduled to meet in December to review their applications. And lastly, today's photo of the day is from a constituent in Buchanan who shared this photo with us from a windy day in St. Joe last week. TY for sharing. If you'd like to share a photo of the day, please click HERE. I hope you had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. All the best,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-daily-update-november-30", "Coronavirus Daily Update: November 30", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, November 30, 2020\n\t\t\t\t\tDear Constituent\n\t\t\t\t\tThe coronavirus pandemic is developing very quickly, and I know many people have questions and concerns. I will try to answer some of them below.\n\t\t\t\t\tThese 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.\n\t\t\t\t\tWith confirmed coronavirus cases making a steep increase, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has responded by issuing anew emergency order to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. It establishes a three-week pause of public indoor social gatherings and other group activities.More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is November 21, 2020. This includes individuals that did not have to file a federal tax return, including many college students, or individuals that receive Social Security, Railroad Retirement or VA benefits and did not receive a payment for their spouse or child. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) provided additional guidance to workers and employers who may be affected COVID-19. Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCORONAVIRUS TESTING UPDATE\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Governor has expanded testing opportunities for Michiganders to access testing in their own backyards. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe 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 foundhereand the app can be accessedhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RESOURCES UPDATE\n\t\t\t\t\tGovernor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills restoring many unemployment provisions from her previous executive orders, including extending state unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tUIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m.  4:25 p.m. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe last federal $600 weekly unemployment benefit was paid to Michiganders on July 25. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provided the state funding to provide six weeks of an additional $300 per week unemployment benefit, covering dates July 26 through September 5. To qualify, claimants must self-certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tAdditionally, unemployed Michiganders who have exhausted their regular and extended weeks of unemployment eligibility will receive up to 20 weeks of additional benefits, through the Federal Extended Benefits program. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tOn May 1, I introducedTheStrengthening UI for COVID Impacted Workers and StudentsActto expand unemployment insurance for American workers, which was included inThe Heroes Act. For more information, visithere.\n\t\t\t\t\tUnemployment Insurance Benefits: Individuals should apply online atwww.Michigan.gov/UIAor call 866-500-0017 and are encouraged to follow afiling schedulebased on last name and use off-peak times (8 p.m.  8 a.m). The UIA offersresourcesto help workers resolve online technical issues with their account. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHOUSING UPDATE\n\t\t\t\t\tGovernor Whitmer created 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. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a 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 foundhere. The CFPB has also put out a step by step videoherefor homeowners that are interested in mortgage forbearance.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe CDC has issued a moratorium on evictions of renters through December 31, 2020 based on non-payment of rent. For individuals that have questions on how this moratorium works or how they can access help, the National Low Income Housing Coalition has put together an overview of the orderhere, while Michigan Legal Help has more tools and informationhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOMMUNITY RESOURCES UPDATE\n\t\t\t\t\tThe SBA has put out a step by step guide for businesses with a PPP loan on how to apply for loan forgiveness. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Governor launched the Futures for Frontliners' program, a tuition-free path to community college for essential, frontline workers who continued working during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April  June 2020. Those eligible must apply for this scholarship before the end of the year. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Governor announced low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan Campaign. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tPersonal Protective Equipment: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a platform to help re-opening businesses acquire PPE. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tMichigan's Virtual Food Bank:Seniors in need of food support cansign 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 localArea Agency on Aging. More information on the virtual food bank can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tFlint 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 visithere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLEGISLATIVE UPDATE\n\t\t\t\t\tOn October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives version of passed an updatedThe Heroes Act. It includes urgently needednewfunding to respond to coronavirus. Thesenewprovisions are essential to supporting our schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tOn August 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Delivering for America Act, to fund the U.S. Postal Service and prohibit changes to operations until the pandemic has ended. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tOn May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passedThe Heroes Act.TheHeroes Actincludes 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 foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tOn May 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill,TheRecharge 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 billcreates 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 smallbusinesses with 20 employees or fewer, orwith 50 employees or fewer located in low-income neighborhoods. More information can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\tCongress has also passedtheCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,TheCARES Act,Families First Coronavirus Response Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actto help families and health care facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-lawrence-announces-16-million-grant-award-community-health", "U.S. Rep. Lawrence Announces $1.6 Million Grant Award to Community Health Services in City of Detroit", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Detroit, MIToday, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) announced agrant award worth$1,626,506toCommunity Health & Social Services Center, Inc.from the Department of Health and Human Servicesas a part of its Health Center Cluster Program. This programfunds community-based health centers to providehigh-quality,comprehensive,andculturally competentprimary healthcare services.\n\nWith the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, it is crucial that community health centers and clinics have the resources they need to care for people who come through their doors,said Rep. Lawrence.Health centers across Michigan are working around the clock to care forthe hundreds ofthousands ofAmericansdiagnosed with COVID-19, and this grant will provide essential resources to do just that.This grantwill helpCommunity Health & Social Servicesfulfill its mission to serve the Detroit community.\n\nBackground:\n The Department of Health and Human Services is providing $1,626,506in grants toCommunity Health & Social Servicesthrough its Health Center Cluster Program;\n\tCommunity Health & Social Servicesprovidesquality, affordable health care to the Detroit community.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-death-former-state-senator-tom-casperson", "Moolenaar Statement on the Death of Former State Senator Tom Casperson", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Sunday, former State Senator Tom Casperson passed away at age 61 due to lung cancer. Congressman John Moolenaar served with Casperson in the Michigan House from2003 through 2008 and theMichigan Senate from 2011 through 2014. He made the following statement on Casperson's passing: \"Tom was agreat friend, a courageous patriot, and a good and faithful servant for the people of Michigan. I alwaysenjoyed working with him in the state legislature,where hewas a tenacious advocate for the Upper Peninsula and its people. His work will benefit UP communities for decades to come andIjoin Tom's family and friends inmourning hispassing.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 283, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "MI", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 179, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 99, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 5, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020&party=Independent", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 283, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 283, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 283, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-11-30,https~3A~2F~2Fmoolenaar~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fmoolenaar-statement-death-former-state-senator-tom-casperson", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2020&_next=2020-11-30%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmoolenaar~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fmoolenaar-statement-death-former-state-senator-tom-casperson&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 285.03711707890034, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}