November 21, 2008

Washington, DC - Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after learning that Nevada's unemployment rate has jumped to 7.6 percent this month, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

"There is no doubt our state has been hit harder than most by the downturn in the national economy that has been years in the making.  The unemployment numbers released today underscore the importance of the legislation we passed yesterday to extend unemployment benefits.  Under this legislation, unemployed workers in all states whose benefits have been exhausted will receive 7 additional weeks of benefits.  In states like Nevada, where unemployment exceeds six percent, unemployed workers will receive 20 weeks of benefits.  This is an important step to ensure families can put food on their tables, but more needs to be done to strengthen our economy.  I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and President-elect Obama to take steps to improve our economy and make investments in infrastructure and renewable energy to help create jobs."

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