Political Quotes

“I rise today because our States, cities, and Tribes are in trouble, and they desperately need our help. State, local, and Tribal governments are on the frontlines in this fight against the coronavirus. We have seen local leaders in each of our States step up during this difficult time to do what is necessary to mitigate the spread of this virus, to protect the health and well- being of their residents, and to prevent critical industries and institutions from failing. Their goal is the same as ours--to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people whom they represent. I know this to be true in Nevada, where dedicated heroes are working tirelessly to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in every corner of the Silver State. However, this proactive and necessary response has not come without a cost. In addition to the coronavirus, Nevada must also deal with an alarming budget shortfall that has been exacerbated by a struggling economy that relies on tourism and a massive drop in tax revenue. Before this crisis began, Nevada had not mismanaged its State's finances. The State had a record-low unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, and we had a rainy day fund for emergencies, but we have needed to use hundreds of millions of dollars from that rainy day fund in order to try to address our budget shortfall. Nevada has a tough road ahead and difficult choices to make, but Nevada is not alone. Many States across the country are identical. They are in similar situations.…”