July 17, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the news that Nevada’s unemployment rate rose to a record high 12 percent for the month of June, 2009.

“This news is a sobering reality of the economic conditions we endure in Nevada.  The record high unemployment rate reminds us that much work needs to be done to set us on the path to economic recovery.  Considering only ten percent of the economic recovery funds have been distributed it is vital that these funds reach Nevada’s communities more quickly to help foster investment in infrastructure and the deployment of new technologies such as clean energy, ultimately leading to job creation.

“The state did offer some hope when it reminded people that employment decline is typical this time of year, while highlighting that some jobs have been created over the last month in transportation and other sectors.  We must continue to weather the storm by doing everything we can to help stabilize the economy.  For me, this work includes protecting struggling homeowners, lowering the cost of health care and working towards energy independence.