May 18, 2012

 Washington, D.C. - Nevada Senator Harry Reid issued the following statement after Nevada’s unemployment rate dropped to 11.7% percent in April:

“Nevada’s economy is slowly recovering and the decline of our state’s unemployment rate over the past eight months is promising. However, we must continue to work to create jobs and I will not rest until every hard-working Nevadan who wants a job has one.

President Obama recently laid out a series of legislative priorities that will strengthen the economy and create jobs. One of these items is a tax cut to encourage small business hiring. The legislation provides tax credits to small businesses that increase their payrolls and faster write-offs for those that invest in new equipment.

This week, the Senate reauthorized the Export-Import Bank which helps American companies compete in overseas markets and spurs job growth here at home. Last year the Bank supported almost 300,000 jobs in nearly 2,600 communities across America, and since 2007, helped dozens of Nevada businesses reach $100 million in export sales.  

I will continue to do everything I can to improve Nevada’s economy. As we move forward on common-sense measures to strengthen our recovery, I hope Republicans will join us in supporting legislation like the small business tax cut bill that will improve our nation’s economic health and continue our recovery.”