| COVID-19 Michigan Statistics
At this time, Michigan ranks 6th in total COVID-19 tests administered, 19th in the nation for the number of positive COVID-19 cases, and has dropped down to 9th in COVID-19 deaths. You can see our state’s COVID-19 statistics and data here.
State Total Confirmed Cases: 113,820
State Total Deaths: 6,767
State Total Tests: 3,079,835
Washtenaw County Total Confirmed Cases: 2,922
Washtenaw County Total Deaths: 115
Legislative Updates
Information is changing rapidly. We are working hard to share updates and information as quickly as possible on social media. Please take a moment to like and follow me on Facebook, as this is where information will first be shared.
Pall-Gelman 1,4 Dioxane Plume Consent Settlement Announced T
his week, the proposed consent judgement between Gelman Sciences and the local government intervenors of Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, and Scio Township for the cleanup of the Pall-Gelman Dioxane Plume was made public. It outlines a plan with more aggressive cleanup standards, like cleaning the pollution at its source, and expanding monitoring of the plume through Ann Arbor/Scio Township’s groundwater.
For more than 40 years, our community has worked to hold those responsible for this disaster accountable. This proposed consent judgement sets a concrete path forward for cleaning up and removing the 1,4 Dioxane in our groundwater.
I am proud to have been one of the leading voices in 2016, when we successfully improved our state’s clean up standard for 1,4 Dioxane from 85 ppb to 7.5 ppb, and now this proposed plan is a great start. We need to make our voices heard during public comment and ensure that our water is safe during our lifetime and for future generations.
Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Connors partially lifted the Confidentiality Order allowing certain information to be made public for review and comment. These documents are available via an online repository developed by the intervening parties. The repository is available here or through links on the intervening parties’ websites.
There will be public meetings before the settlement is approved. These meetings have not yet been scheduled.
Bi-Partisan Legislation to Ensure Safety in Nursing Homes
This week, my colleagues and I introduced 10 bills designed to prevent future health care crises in nursing homes, long term care, adult foster, and child care facilities. Working together, Gov. Whitmer’s nursing home task force and the members of the House Bipartisan Nursing Home Workgroup developed this legislation to increase transparency and outline plans for care facilities.
Unemployment Benefit Extension
This week the House passed Senate Bill 745, securing an additional $300 in unemployment benefits and providing relief to thousands of Michiganders, by appropriating $2.8 billion from FEMA and an additional $70 million to support the UIA. My colleagues and I were able to address some of the significant struggles our state has faced throughout this crisis.
Since March, my office has been trying to keep up with requests and get as many people the help they need. Since the end of July when the federal unemployment benefits ended, we’ve been urging Congress to extend those benefits to keep Michigan families and businesses afloat.
We will continue advocating and working to protect unemployed persons.
Virtual Town Halls
Out of an abundance of caution, all previously scheduled coffee hours and in-district meetings are cancelled.
My next virtual town hall will be:
Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m.
Facebook Live and Zoom
I’ll have updates on what our Legislature has been doing and on our state’s response to COVID-19. I’ll also be answering all of your questions.
Overdose Awareness
Monday was Overdose Awareness Day.
Opioid overdose is a preventable cause of death that sadly takes too many lives.
We can take steps to prevent overdose deaths by learning how to administer and carrying naloxone, being there for and offering support to family and friends who use substances, and ending the stigma of substance use disorders.
Click here for Opioid Resources.
Click here to learn more about ending the stigma of substance use.
Resources
Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)
The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been impacted.
Rental assistance in the amount of $50 million is available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10 percent of the amount due.
If you need help affording rent, visit here.
Step Forward Program – Help Affording You Home
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Step Forward Program provides assistance to Michigan homeowners struggling with their mortgage, condo association fees, and property taxes to retain ownership of their primary residence. Learn more here.
2020 Census – The Time is Now
The 2020 Census has huge implications for our state. Federal funding for our roads, schools, hospitals, police departments, social services, number of Congressional seats, and state Legislature redistricting are determined by the census.
If you haven’t completed the 2020 Census, you still have time to do so online, by phone or by mail, if you still have the mailed form.
Complete the Census Online, find out how here.
Complete the Census by Phone, find out how here.
Complete the Census by Mail, find out how here.
COVID-19 Testing
One of the ways that we can make sure we contain COVID-19 is by remaining vigilant and making sure that we get tested if we go indoors with groups of other people, especially as we start to reopen more of our state.
You can find a testing site here.
I Want to Hear from You
During this challenging time, I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can we help you? Please, reach out to me at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Health Care Coverage
If you have lost your employer-provided health care due to layoffs, reduced hours, or a change in income during the COVID-19 crisis, please remember that you have up to 60 days to enroll in new coverage.
If you have questions, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services can help. Contact DIFS toll free at (877) 999-6442 if you need assistance.
Find if you are eligible for the special enrollment period here.
Apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace here.
Small Business Assistance
As businesses reopen, there are going to be questions about how they can acquire PPE to protect their employees and customers.
The MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program has created webpage specifically to connect businesses needing access to PPE – including face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and other materials – with Michigan businesses that supply PPE.
The webpage can be accessed here.
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has released a comprehensive set of resources, guides and tips for small businesses preparing to reopen and operate safely as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This site also has a comprehensive list of sources for small businesses to obtain safety equipment and personal protection equipment. Visit the site here.
Mental Health
This is an extremely difficult time for those with mental health issues.
If you need someone to talk to, the state has launched a statewide, peer-run warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions during this pandemic. The warmline will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753).
Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at (800) 985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at (800) 273-8255.
Unemployment Benefits
If you have yet to apply, please click here to watch informational videos on how to apply or access your federal benefits application.
Click here for the MiWAM toolkit to help you navigate the MiWAM website and properly set up your account.
If you have questions as you apply or are unsure of what you will need to apply, click here for the UIA’s Unemployment Benefits FAQ.
For more information or to apply for unemployment benefits, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866) 500-0017.
Local Support
Faith in Action is still proudly serving the families of Western Washtenaw County. If you need food assistance, or you know someone who might need help, Faith in Action is still operating and delivering food.
They can be contacted by calling (734) 475-3305.
Their hours of operation are:
M/W: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tu/Th: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Employee Rights
Governor Whitmer acted to protect workers from retaliation by their employers, if they stay home because one of their close contacts has tested positive for COVID-19: Click here for post and further information.
The Attorney General’s office has created a website to help you “know your rights” as an employee if you are still required to work during this time. Click here to read more.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski |
