BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Assemblyman Sean Ryan is hoping that a presidential declaration of a federal disaster related to Coronavirus will allow FEMA to utilize $42 billion to assist state and local governments to prevent the spread of the virus and to address the long-term impact of the disease.
At the state level, Ryan said he hopes the state capitol will be closed to the general public for at least 30 days, following the closure of the Capitol Building in Washington.
"Just this week on Tuesday and Wednesday there were hundreds of people walking the halls," Ryan said. "We need to shut that down."
Ryan said journalists will be exempt from the shutdown of the buildings.
Ryan expressed optimism that the state will pass paid sick leave legislation next week, which would allow employees full compensation for time off if they are quarantined because of coronavirus.