On the recordJanuary 9, 2014
As of the new year, 1.3 million Americans, including 17,600 Nevadans, are without a critical economic lifeline-- the emergency unemployment insurance that has helped men and women stay out of poverty and keep their families afloat as they look for a job. By allowing this program to expire, those already struggling to make ends meet are now facing even greater hardship as they are left to wonder how to put food on the table, keep a roof over their families' heads, or put gas in the car. Denying this vital lifeline is not only morally indefensible, it is also economically shortsighted. Unemployment insurance benefits not only help the individual and their families who receive them, but they also boost our economy. Failing to renew this program will weaken economic growth and cost our country 240,000 jobs, including almost 3,000 in Nevada. So, for the thousands of Nevadans who lost emergency unemployment insurance at the beginning of the year and the 842 more who stand to lose their benefits at the end of this week, inaction is unacceptable. I urge Speaker Boehner to bring this to the floor and vote in favor. ____________________
