ME: Good, but I still say it allows the largest and most financially-strong corporations to do less for their employees than every other business.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/coronavirus-live-updates.html [cnbc] # # # #

3:55 pm: Senate passes relief plan to expand paid leave

The Senate has the votes to pass a bill expanding paid leave and unemployment benefits in response to the coronavirus pandemic, part of a staggering response expected in the coming weeks to avoid economic calamity.

The bill provides enhanced unemployment insurance, ensures that businesses that have fewer than 500 employees offer two weeks of paid sick leave to their workers, and includes increased funding for food assistance programs and guarantees free testing for the coronavirus. —Jacob Pramuk