$2.7 billion. That’s the amount lawmakers have accepted as the state’s share of federal coronavirus relief funds appropriated under the American Rescue Plan. The money is intended to provide support to struggling families and businesses. It’s also meant to help offset some of the costs associated with mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and lawmakers are wasting no time in dipping into those funds.

To talk about that and more, KUNR Morning Edition host Noah Glick checked in with senior reporter and political editor Paul Boger.

Read the full transcript at KUNR Public Radio.