211: 2-1-1 connects people with thousands of nonprofit and government resources in their area, such as food pantries, bill pay assistance, family services, utility assistance and more. The 211 system is available by dialing 2-1-1 via phone or by going to mi211.org.

MI Bridges: This consists of benefits and coverage through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, such as food assistance, health care and state emergency relief. MI Bridges can be accessed via their website at michigan.gov/mibridges.

With the information surrounding the coronavirus changing day by day, it is important that individuals keep up on reliable information sources.

The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For a complete list and more specific information on each executive order and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on newly issued directives, visit this website.

Today, the Senate was in session and we voted to rein in the governor’s emergency powers, so the executive and legislative branches would need to work together during times like this. One-person decision-making leads to mistakes. Yes, we need to take strong, aggressive actions, but by working together, we can improve the decisions on the front-end to avoid confusion or unduly hurting people.

Additionally, I voted to form a special oversight committee to review Gov. Whitmer’s actions in order to ensure accountability and transparency. A governor unilaterally making significant decisions regarding our health, tax dollars and economy opens the door for problems, and unfortunately, Gov. Whitmer has made some decisions that deserve close examination and another perspective.

For example, she was recently caught giving a nearly $200,000 no-bid government health care contract to her political operatives. They were paid with our tax dollars to collect private COVID-19 health care information from citizens throughout our state. This is troubling because this same firm provides detailed information on voters for her political campaign and Democrat campaigns throughout our state. The governor, after being publicly caught, reversed her position and ended the contract.

Additionally, Gov. Whitmer went on national television to criticize President Trump for not granting Michigan emergency designation status, only for us to find out, she failed to even apply for the emergency designation at the time. After a week passed and the Trump Administration was asked why Michigan had not received the emergency designation yet, which would open our state to receiving more federal resources to combat coronavirus, the Trump Administration said Michigan’s governor still had not applied. Finally, after this embarrassing blunder, Gov. Whitmer submitted the request and promptly started receiving this important federal assistance. In totality, the governor submitted the application nearly four weeks late. How far did we fall behind due to that four-week delay? Are there other resources the governor is not tapping?

These examples, along with many more regarding the specifics of her executive orders, are why oversight is necessary. We are setting up this committee to ask questions and help in a collaborative manner to produce the best results for the people of Michigan. Even during emergencies, powerful elected officials need to be accountable and know there is another set of eyes watching and additional minds asking questions and providing input.

Bottom line, coronavirus is a health crisis that will also severely damage our economy and destroy small businesses and jobs. We need to work together to get through this and then rebuild. I pray you and your family stay safe, and that we can all do our part during these difficult times.

Sincerely,


Aric Nesbitt
State Senator
26th District

Heavy traffic to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) system, both online and by phone, has caused delays in filing claims and having questions answered. State officials have asked for patience and have assured residents that everyone eligible for benefits will receive them.

Nesbitt’s office is attempting to help with individual cases, but notes they too are having difficulty receiving responses. The senator sent a letter to the agency’s director this week acknowledging the situation they are facing, but strongly requesting that constituents receive responses in a timely fashion - as some have been waiting many weeks and need answers and help to pay their bills.

To help alleviate some issues, the UIA recently announced a series of videos, including answers to frequently asked questions, to help claimants who have experienced difficulties navigating the system. Read more.

Additional information for employers can be found here, and some helpful information for employees can be found below: