March 20th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland General Assembly this week adjourned early for the first time since the Civil War, after passing emergency legislation and setting aside millions of dollars for the governor to respond as needed to the virus outbreak. The measure includes provisions to pay for testing for the new coronavirus that is causing a global pandemic, as well as testing and to prevent price-gouging for critical items such as food, water, medical supplies and cleaning products. It prohibits employers from firing employees who need to be quarantined or isolated. The measure extends unemployment benefits to people who are ill longer than sick leave allows or for people who are caring for a family member. It also enables someone to receive unemployment benefits, if an employer shuts down. Senate President Bill Ferguson said the  bill was one of the top priority measures lawmakers expedited, as they ended the session 19 days before the regularly scheduled adjournment on April 6 because of concerns about the outbreak….