BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers are moving quickly to bolster the state's ability to fight the new coronavirus.
The Senate voted 35-0 Wednesday to approve a request from Republican Gov. Brad Little for $2 million to go into an emergency fund for use around the state.
Some of the money will be used by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to test for the virus.
The legislation now goes to the House.
Republican Sen. Steve Bair told senators that an expected $4 million in federal funds is more than a month away.
He told KTVB, this move is a proactive step.
"We fully suspect at some point Idaho will have its own coronavirus case or cases and we just don't know when that will be and hopefully we will have the preparation done," Bair said.
No one in Idaho has tested positive for the virus so far.
The last time the Senate saw an instance where special funds were requested was several years ago.
"You'll recall several years ago when we had the severe winter and there were several feet of snow on the ground, the joint committee appropriated $52 million that went into one of the governor's reserve funds to be used for flood mitigation, so we have seen instances like this, never a biological issue," Bair said.
If the bill passes the House, Gov. Little would then need to sign it.
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