Maryland's five largest jurisdictions will receive more than $2 billion in direct aid from the federal government while small businesses will also be eligible for additional assistance if Congress passes a $2 trillion stimulus package to address the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The stimulus bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night, 96-0. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she expects the bill to pass in her chamber with bipartisan approval when it takes a vote on Friday. The bill's provisions to help people affected by COVID-19 include expanded unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility and billions of dollars in forgivable small business loans. Individuals and families across the U.S. will also be receiving direct one-time payments from the federal government. Adults making up to $75,000 will receive checks of $1,200 per person. Married couples making up to $150,000 will receive $2,400 and $500 per child.