March 6, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the news that Nevada’s unemployment rate for January reached 9.4 percent.

“Today’s grim unemployment numbers are another sign of just how much Nevada is suffering in this economy.  There is no doubt our state is feeling the effects more than just about any other state in the country.

“While we should all be concerned by a 9.4 percent unemployment rate in our state, I am also encouraged by the steps that have recently been taken to get our economy moving again.  The economic recovery package Congress passed and the omnibus appropriations bill I hope will pass next week provide our state with much-needed funding for Nevada projects that will create jobs, particularly in transportation and energy.  We are also working on a housing plan that will help struggling Nevadans stay in their homes by allowing them to renegotiate the terms of their mortgage loans.

“With so many Nevadans out of work, it is also imperative that the state make every effort to take advantage of the additional unemployment funding made available to the state as a result of the recovery package.

“Today’s numbers are a reminder of how important it is that we stand strong in our resolve to make Nevada the world leader in, and a net exporter of renewable energy.  With our vast solar, wind and geothermal potential, Nevada stands to create tens of thousands of jobs by leading the way in developing these resources that will meet our state’s power demands with affordable clean energy.  I’ll continue my work to increase investments in Nevada’s renewable energy industry so we can get Nevadans back to work and strengthen our economy."