Trone held a town hall Thursday evening with families across Maryland’s Sixth District to discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and listen directly to concerns from members of the community about the COVID-19 outbreak.

“If you’re feeling sick, you should be able to stay home and take care of yourself while still being able to pay your mortgage and put food on the table,” said Trone. “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is about testing, testing, testing and prioritizes the health and economic safety of families and small businesses across the country.

“I am grateful that the Small Business Administration worked with Governor Hogan and the Maryland congressional delegation to approve disaster assistance for the small businesses that are hurting from this crisis. From mom and pop restaurants to barber shops, small businesses are in trouble and they need help now,” Trone added. “I’ll continue to listen to what Marylanders need in order to make it through this unprecedented public health emergency.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act prioritizes the health, economic and food security for American families, Trone noted in a press release. It allows for free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, provides 14 days of paid sick leave and enhances Unemployment Insurance, and strengthens programs including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ meals and food banks.

This follows the $8.3 billion Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020, which has already passed the House and was signed by the president.

On March 18, Trone announced that the state of Maryland would receive over $10 million in federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control that came directly from this supplemental package.

Trone also hosted a Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall Thursday with public health officials from Maryland’s Sixth District to discuss the legislation and identify additional support that federal, state and local government can provide.