California state legislature approved $1 billion in emergency coronavirus aid spending and then suspended its work for the first time in 158 years

• California's state legislature went into suspension until April 13 to try to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, as first reported by the Associated Press.
• Before suspending, the body authorized Governor Gavin Newsom to spend up to $1 billion in new emergency funding to combat the virus.
• Newsom has already declared a state of emergency, banned gatherings of more than 250 people, and on Monday asked dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms to close.
• "The demands of public health require it," Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon told the Associated Press.
• This is likely the first time the legislature has had to unexpectedly in its work since 1862, the Associated Press noted.
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The California state legislature went into suspension on Monday after approving $1 billion in new funding in an effort to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, as first reported by the Associated Press.

Lawmakers voted to allow Governor Gavin Newsom to make use of $500 million in new funding "for any item for any purpose" related to the state of emergency he declared earlier this month, according to the Associated Press. Newsom can also ask for $50 million increases — up to $1 billion total — provided he notify lawmakers at least three days in advance.

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