August 4, 2010

 Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today led the U.S. Senate in overcoming a procedural hurdle that clears the way on passing legislation that will bring critical funding to the state for education and Medicaid.

“Today’s vote offered a simple choice, we could either stand up for the jobs of teachers, firefighters and police officers by saying yes, or we could have turned our back on them and their families by saying no,” Reid said.  “By overcoming this procedural hurdle, we are one step away from ensuring teachers jobs are secure for this school year, that funds are available for Nevadans who rely on Medicaid, and that our state avoids a budget shortfall that could result in more layoffs.”

The Education Jobs Fund provides an extension of Recovery Act funding to help preserve educator jobs.  This fund will provide nearly $10 billion, fully offset by spending cuts, and will save an estimated 140,000 jobs.  It is projected that Nevada schools will see an additional $83 million to keep educators working.  This is fully paid for without cutting President Obama’s Race to the Top program, funding to expand charter schools or for the Teacher Incentive Fund.

More than 160,000 children, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities in Nevada rely on Medicaid funds for quality, affordable medical care.  These funds also help states like Nevada retain employees and relieve state funding shortfalls.  When passed, this bill will direct an additional $79 million in Medicaid funds to the state.