September 21, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Nevada Senator Harry Reid issued the following statement after Nevada’s unemployment increased to 12.1% percent in August:

“Today’s numbers highlight the critical importance of creating jobs.  The best way to do that is to strengthen Nevada’s middle class and our small business community.

“I have been working with my Democratic colleagues to provide tax relief to middle class families, and to help small business owners expand and create jobs for hard working Nevadans. However, these commonsense measures have been met with unconditional obstruction by Senate and House Republicans, regardless of their potential to spur economic growth.

“Just this week, the Senate considered the Veterans Jobs Corps Act, which would have helped to drive our economy forward by ensuring our troops come home to new jobs and opportunities that will allow them to thrive. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues blocked the bill and instead put election-year partisanship ahead of the men and women who risked their lives to protect our freedoms.

“For over a year, I have been working on a bill that would legalize online poker. This may be the most important issue facing Nevada since Yucca Mountain; this bill means jobs for Nevada. Unfortunately, Republicans have been unable to secure support and I cannot move this legislation without some Republican votes. I will continue to fight to seek bipartisan support to legalize online poker that is important for Nevada’s economy. And I urge my Republican colleagues to join me in this effort.”