March 20, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement following news that Nevada’s unemployment rate reached 10.1 percent for February 2009.

“The new unemployment numbers are part of a troubling trend that makes it all too clear that we can’t do too much to dig our state out of this economic hole.

“We have been working hard in Congress to help struggling Nevadans who are finding it increasingly difficult to get by from one day to the next, while also addressing the fundamental causes of the downturn in our economy.  The economic recovery package and omnibus appropriations bill contain substantial funding for renewable energy, transportation and infrastructure projects, which will help create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in our state.

“The new unemployment numbers should send a message to the state that it should waste no time in accepting the unemployment assistance we secured in the economic recovery package.  Additionally, rather than making short-sighted cuts to education, we need to invest in our students so our schools and colleges produce a workforce that attracts businesses to Nevada in a way that diversifies our state’s economy, especially companies looking to invest in our state’s clean energy industry.  And we must continue working on solutions that fight foreclosure and help struggling families stay in their homes.  These are incredibly tough times for our state that require tough decisions and bold action.  I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in Nevada and in Washington, to address the challenges facing our state and get our economy back on track.”