(Photo: Kelli Pierce)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah lawmakers have approved $255 million in federal stimulus money meant to help the state get through the COVID-19 pandemic despite reservations from some on just how the funds will be spent.
The majority of the money will go towards Medicaid and unemployment. However, Utah Senate Budget President Jerry Stevenson (R-Layton) said those are not the only programs being funded by the COVID-19 stimulus.
“Some of those include childcare, homeless services, emergency food, Meals on Wheels, energy assistance, community development and services, public assistance, and election security,” Stevenson said during the special virtual session on Tuesday.
There had been a strong push back from some lawmakers over the state’s plan to spend and house $6 million to stockpile hydroxychloroquine, a potential but unproven treatment for COVID-19.
Stevenson addressed the concerns expressed in the House earlier that day by reading a prepared statement.
“While the funds could be used for drugs like hydroxychloroquine, they could also be used for other potential treatments. As well as not limited to any one particular drug,” Stevenson said.
Although both chambers approved the spending by large majorities, another special session will likely be called soon.
“These funds cannot be used to help balance the previous budgets, so we got some work ahead of us,” Stevenson said.
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization