April 17, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the news of Nevada’s unemployment rate, the highest unemployment rate in more than 25 years.

“This latest report is more bad news for Nevada. It is evidence of just how serious this recession is. This report means that more Nevadans are in need of help than ever before. Families are struggling to just pay their bills as jobs are becoming harder to find. On top of this staggering unemployment figure, Nevada continues to have the highest foreclosure rate in the country.

“Fortunately, vitally important funding is on its way from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. My office held a workshop yesterday with Nevadans in Las Vegas to help service providers, workers, businesses make the most of the more than $1.5 billion I delivered for Nevada. The response was overwhelming; more than 1,400 people came to meet with federal, state, and local agencies about the distribution of these important funds.

“The economic recovery package was an important step in getting Nevadans back on their feet. More help is on the way. The budget passed by the Senate takes the next step in working to end the economic crisis, by supporting homeowners and investing in renewable energy, stronger schools, and healthcare.”