WASHINGTON — The economic relief bill Congress is expected to approve this week would provide $1,200 direct payments to many American adults, expand eligibility for unemployment benefits to include actors and gig workers and provide funding for states.
Those provisions are among many just coming to light in a roughly $2.2-trillion package intended to help households and businesses get through the economy’s virtual shutdown as the nation combats the coronavirus outbreak.
Although supporters say the bill will help buoy Americans who have been laid off or are working reduced hours, critics have identified holes in the legislative safety net. A fourth coronavirus-related relief package already is under discussion.
Key provisions will have an effect for Californians. Among them:
Chair of Assembly Education Committee provides answers to frequently Asked questions during COVID-19 pandemic
As a parent, teacher and Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, I would like to share with you frequently asked questions and answers regarding California schools during this crisis:
Q: What has the Legislature and Governor done in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Senators Gonzalez, Umberg, Asm. O’Donnell Urge Governor Newsom to Expedite Emergency Funds for reopening of the Community Hospital of Long Beach to treat COVID-19 pandemic patients
(LONG BEACH) — As cases in Los Angeles County continue to rise, California Senators Lena A. Gonzalez and Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D- Long Beach) sent a letter urging Governor Newsom expedite Emergency Funds to the Community Hospital of Long Beach in an effort to treat COVID-19 patients in the region.
Chair of Assembly Education Committee Supports Governor’s Call to Pause State and Federal Tests
(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) asked state and federal school officials to postpone all required student testing for the current school year. This is in response to lost instructional time from school closures across the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legislature hurriedly approved emergency financial relief to help school districts cope with the costs of the coronavirus on Monday before adjourning for a month to comply with state and federal orders limiting gatherings to stem the spread of the contagion.
Legislators approved an initial $100 million for K-12 districts and child care centers to cover school cleaning expenses and adopted waivers that will ensure funding for school districts and state-funded child care during school closures. In a second bill, they approved spending up to $1 billion on emergency medical costs, including leasing two hospitals, to expand the capacity to respond to the pandemic.
LATEST NEWS