Economic recovery funding will allow part-time workers to continue caring for family members

June 23, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced $52 million in additional unemployment insurance funding made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money, distributed by the Department of Labor, is in addition to the $25 million that Nevada received earlier this month.

Nevada qualified for these funds based upon provisions of a the state’s unemployment compensation law that extend benefits to part-time workers, those participating in training programs that will allow them to qualify for new jobs, and individuals who leave work for compelling family reasons.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.

“The economic recovery package we passed is, first and foremost, designed to allow Nevada’s working families to get back to work, especially in our state where unemployment is at a record high,” Reid said. “However, we can’t forget about those who need training to become reemployed or are already working as much as their family situation allows. By providing these important benefits, we ensure that these families get the support that they need.”