Israel’s Netanyahu turns to anti-terrorism tools in battle against coronavirus

States are allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to respond to the coronavirus, even as the federal government prepares to send billions more their way.

Many states have built up sizable stockpiles in their “rainy day” funds during several robust years of tax collections. Some governors and state lawmakers now are tapping into those savings for emergency expenses. Others are looking to set aside even more in reserve, fearing the economic uncertainties stemming from the coronavirus could send tax revenues into a tailspin.

“Forget the closure on Broadway — the loss of revenue to the state government, right now, is incalculable,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat.

President Trump said Friday that he would free up as much as $50 billion for state and local governments as he declared the virus pandemic a national emergency. Many governors also have declared emergencies, giving themselves greater flexibility to spend money and waive regulations as needed.

Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2020/03/15/israel-netanyahu-turns-anti-terrorism-tools-battle-against-coronavirus/1maJ40vJRXV7IJMIzCZwyM/story.html