BROAD STIMULUS PACKAGE WILL CREATE NEW JOBS, DELIVER NEEDED HELP FOR FAMILIES

“This is an Investment in the Future of Nevada and the Nation”

(January 28, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.) Calling the package an investment in the future of Nevada and the nation, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley voted today in favor of a broad economic stimulus package. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed on a vote of 244 to 188, will create millions of new jobs, deliver tax relief to working families and provide funding to states for healthcare, education, clean energy and new roads and highways.

“Nevada families and businesses will benefit from the resources included in this broad stimulus package, which will create millions of new jobs and fund important needs like education, healthcare and clean energy production. Families will also see a tax savings of up to $1,000 per year that they can use to help cover expenses from groceries to gas and rent,” said Berkley, who helped to shape the tax relief provisions included in the stimulus package through her seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

“Our bill has the strong support of police, teachers, parents, economists, doctors and nurses, mayors, construction workers, homebuilders and businesses large and small – just to name a few. At a time when the economic picture remains bleak and families are struggling to stay afloat, we are truly making an investment in the future of Nevada and this nation and the time to act is now,” said Berkley.

TAX RELIEF

“The ‘Making Work Pay’ tax credit will mean more money in the pockets of 950,000 Nevada taxpayers. Under our plan, 95% of all Americans will see a tax savings, with married couples eligible for up to $1,000 and individuals eligible as much as $500 in much needed tax relief,” said Berkley.

NOTE: The Making Work Pay tax credit will cut taxes for more than 95% of working families. The bill provides a refundable tax credit of up to $500 for working individuals and $1,000 for working families. Taxpayers can receive this benefit through a reduction in the amount of income tax that is withheld from their paychecks, or through claiming the credit on their tax returns.

CLEAN ENERGY AND GREEN JOBS

“Southern Nevada’s solar potential, coupled with our state’s geothermal and wind resources, can make Nevada a leader in the use and production of clean energy. Our stimulus plan will create new, green jobs by making critical investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Berkley. “The energy provisions in this bill will give geothermal and other renewable energy projects planned in Nevada the push they need to get underway. Our package also extends the tax credit for energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes through 2010. This will create new employment opportunities while also conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Berkley.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

“Growing numbers of Nevadans are relying on unemployment assistance as their only source of income and these men and women will get extra help under this stimulus plan,” said Berkley. “Our package provides subsidies to help unemployed families maintain their healthcare coverage during the economic downturn that has gripped the Las Vegas Valley. Nevadans who have lost a job should not also have to worry about losing their insurance coverage and access to critical medical care. That is why we are extending COBRA benefits to help individuals maintain affordable coverage, preserving access to care from their regular doctor,” said Berkley.

TRANSPORTATION

“Modernizing and expanding our network of roads and highways will keep Valley traffic flowing, while funding for maintenance will increase safety and ensure that bridges and overpasses pose no danger to drivers or their passengers,” said Berkley. “The Las Vegas Beltway, I-15 and U.S. 95 are all critical components of the Valley’s transportation network. Funding from the stimulus package would be made available for work on this vital network of freeways that serves not only residents and businesses, but also millions of visitors to Las Vegas each year.”

EDUCATION

“Education opens the doors to a lifetime of opportunity. That is why our package provides substantial help for states that are faced with slashing education spending from kindergarten all the way to the university level. Providing Nevada and other states with additional funding to help meet the educational needs of their students is a wise investment that will continue to pay enormous dividends for years to come,” said Berkley.

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