“I make absolutely no apologies, none, for helping people in my state”

September 30, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Nevada Senator Harry Reid today went on the offense speaking on the Senate floor regarding his work to help his state cover Nevadans as part of health insurance reform.  As part of an agreement with the Senate Finance Chairman, Reid secured a deal providing the state full federal funding for people added to Nevada Medicaid under the program expansion included in the legislation.  Under this deal, federal Medicaid dollars flowing into Nevada will increase by more than 30 percent while the state will only have to increase its funding by 1.6 percent.

“Our unemployment rate is more than 13%. The people of Nevada are hurting, and I make absolutely no apologies, none, for helping people in my state and our nation who are hurting the most,” Reid said. “And that’s why we’re supporting Nevada’s Medicaid program. In fact, Mr. President, that’s what our entire health care debate is all about, helping those who are hurting. That’s what our entire jobs are all about. Yours, Mr. President, and mine, looking out for constituents who give us the uncomparable honor of representing them and serving their interests.”