Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District participated in a press conference call this morning to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the effect it would have on Nevada’s education system. She was joined by Congressman George Miller, Chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, Bob Canavan, Chair of Rebuild America’s Schools, and Angela Peoples, Legislative Director of the United States Students Association. Below is a transcript of Titus’ remarks:
“Thank you very much, Chairman Miller, and thank you for your leadership on behalf of America’s students and teachers. I would also like to thank the other participants for joining us and for their work in the field of education.
“As you described, the economic recession is gripping our country and has taken its toll in states all across the nation. Many, as you know, are in the midst of budget crises that threaten critical education funding, which I believe is the key to our children’s future and our country’s future.
“Nevada used to think of itself as recession proof. Even in bad economic times if someone had two nickels to rub together they would come to Las Vegas to try to change their fortune, but that’s just not the case anymore. We have tourism revenue down because of a lack of disposable income nationwide and around the globe. We have the highest foreclosure rate of any state in the country, and District Three is the worst of the worst because that’s where all the growth occurred in the suburbs of Las Vegas. Also, we are especially hard hit with unemployment. It is over 9 percent. That’s the highest it’s been in 25 years, and as a result our state education budget is facing unprecedented cuts at both K-12 and higher education levels.
“That is why I believe it is so critical that Congress pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will provide a boost for our nation’s schools at a time when we cannot afford to shortchange the educational needs of our children, especially as we move into a new high tech renewable energy economy.
“In my district, the Clark County School District, which is one of the largest ones in the country, would receive under this plan more than $179 million directly to the school district. This would prevent teacher layoffs; it would help rebuild and modernize our schools, there are a lot of older schools in the heart of the valley; and it would help disadvantaged children, those with special education needs, programs that are already underfunded, and so this would help to solve some of those needs. By renovating and improving our schools facilities, not only can we enhance education, but we can create much-needed jobs in the construction industry that will put people back to work in Nevada.
“This bill not only helps K-12, but it will also, which I think is very important, make college more affordable at a time when too many students and their families cannot keep up with the rising cost of a higher education. Just last week we had 4,000 students turn out at UNLV to protest the thirty-something percent cuts that are being proposed in the higher education budget at the state level. This bill will provide $70 million in total funding for Pell Grants, so that more than 20,000 students in Nevada can receive help when they are paying for college. It will also provide modernization funds of another $34 million.
“This legislation is vital for Clark County and District Three and just as important for communities across the country. By passing this, we will take a first step toward improving education, helping our children, modernizing America, and moving toward that new economy.”
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