Md. Senate Unanimously Passes Emergency Coronavirus Funding
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The Maryland State Senate Friday unanimously passed an emergency bill from Gov. Larry Hogan that would allow the state to use up to $50 million in rainy day funds in the event of a coronavirus emergency.
Senators passed the bill 44-0 Friday morning. It now heads to the House of Delegates.
#WJZ Senate passes 44-0 Hogan's emergency bill to use up to $50 million in Rainy Day funds in the event of a coronavirus emergency. Goes to the House. Emergency bills take effect immediately after passage
— Pat Warren (@PatWarrenMedia_) March 6, 2020
If passed the legislation would take effect immediately.
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Hogan will ask for $10 million more in a supplemental budget.
The governor praised lawmakers' "swift action" on the bill.
"These funds will be essential as we continue to mobilize and respond to this ongoing public health event," Hogan tweeted.
I want to commend the General Assembly's swift action on our emergency legislation to access rainy day funds to address COVID-19. These funds will be essential as we continue to mobilize and respond to this ongoing public health event.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 6, 2020
As of Friday afternoon, three Marylanders -- all from Montgomery County -- have tested positive for COVID-19; 12 more tests are pending. In total, 41 people from Maryland have been tested.