March 10, 2011

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement regarding today’s defeat of HR1, Republicans’ reckless budget plan:

“We have said from day one that Republicans’ reckless spending plan is a non-starter because it would destroy 700,000 American jobs, weaken our border security and slash housing for homeless veterans. Now that it has been defeated, Republicans have no excuses left. It’s time for them to work with us to on a responsible, long-term solution that funds our government for the rest of the year, makes responsible cuts and safeguards our fragile economic recovery.

“Democrats have put $51 billion in cuts on the table, but so far Republicans have refused to abandon even the most extreme of their reckless proposals. Republicans’ irresponsible approach would devastate millions of middle class families and jeopardize our security, but it would never yield the savings we need to actually reduce our deficit and balance the budget. To address this issue in a serious, responsible way, I believe that the entire budget, which does not include Social Security, should be on the table. We need to start making tough decisions in order to achieve lasting solutions.”
 
What does the Republican spending plan mean for Nevadans?
 
Ø Independent, non-partisan analysis has found that H.R. 1 will cut 700,000 jobs through 2012, with Nevada set to lose nearly 6,000 jobs. 
 
Ø  Nearly 600 community health center jobs will be eliminated in Nevada if the House-passed bill is enacted.
 
Ø  Under H.R.1, the average Nevada undergraduate with Pell college tuition assistance will see their assistance cut by more than $600.
 
Ø  More than 800 Nevada children will lose access to Head Start, an early education program that is proven to help students complete high school.
 
Ø  Nevada could lose upwards of $30 million in job training investments under H.R.1, which would impact approximately 8,000 potential Nevada workers.
 
Ø  H.R. 1 reduces Byrne Justice Grants for Nevada by $1.6 million.
 
Ø  H.R. 1 reduces Nevada’s homeland security investments by nearly $1 million, hurting local law enforcement’s ability to keep Nevadans safe.
 
http://democrats.senate.gov/gopplan/
 
 

###