November '09 Nevada Government

Titus Applauds the Creation of the Congressional Military Family Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District applauded the creation of the new Congressional Military Family Caucus. A founding member of the Caucus, Titus highlighted the important role military families play in the safety and security of our nation.

“The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation make a tremendous sacrifice for our safety and security,” Congresswoman Titus said. “We must not forget that they are not the only ones who bear that burden. When our servicemen and women are deployed, their families are deployed as well. While their loved ones are gone, it is our duty to care for their families, and when they return home, we must honor our commitment to our veterans and their families. The creation of this new caucus will help Congress take additional steps to ensure that military families’ unique needs are addressed.”

The Congressional Military Family Caucus will promote the interests of family members of the uniform services and educate Members and staff on resources the military has for military families as well as develop legislation to support military families. The caucus has identified key issues they will focus on, including the effects of multiple deployments on families, spouse employment, childcare, health care, education, and families with a special needs dependent.

Their work will build of the efforts of this Congress to care for our veterans and military families. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to provide service members $500 for every month they were held under stop-loss orders and had their retirement suspended or enlistment extended. Congress also passed a provision to extend G.I. bill benefits to all children of service members who died on active duty since September 11, 2001.

The bipartisan caucus, made up of 74 members of the House, is co-chaired by Representatives Sanford Bishop of Georgia and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington.

Titus on Health Care: The Status Quo Is Unacceptable

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor on health care reform. Below are her remarks.

“For the past six months I have talked with my constituents in Southern Nevada about the need for health care reform that lowers costs, improves access, increases choices, and strengthens Medicare. I have solicited input from my constituents by sending them health care surveys, encouraging them to share their health care stories, and holding Congress on the Corner. From roundtable discussions with doctors, providers, and small business owners, to town halls, I have listened to the concerns Nevadans have had about our current health care system as well as the proposed reforms. One thing is clear: the status quo is unacceptable.

“The legislation introduced in the House last week requires a comprehensive examination, and I will continue to carefully review all aspects of the bill. But I am pleased that the legislation includes important provisions that will help Nevada’s seniors, young adults, women, and small businesses. From ending discrimination based on preexisting conditions to strengthening Medicare by reducing waste and closing the donut hole, there are a number of very positive aspects of this bill which I strongly support. It’s time to give them a serious look.”

Titus Statement on Recovery Act Recipient Reporting

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District issued the following statement following the release of a report that showed the effects that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is having on Nevada after 18 percent of the total ARRA funds have been spent.

“With Nevada’s unemployment at record levels, it is essential that we put the Recovery Act money to work as quickly as possible. Already 95 percent of Nevadans have seen more money in their paycheck from the largest package of tax cuts in history and the state has received money to help bridge its budget shortfall, saving teachers’ jobs across the state. First-time homebuyers have used an $8,000 tax credit to give a boost to our struggling housing market, and seniors and disabled veterans received a recovery payment to help them through this difficult time.

“But for some time, I have been concerned with the pace that the state has spent recovery money. Reports on transportation spending repeatedly ranked Nevada near the bottom when it comes to starting projects and getting the money out and the State has been slow to take advantage of recovery funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

“The state needs to act with a greater sense of urgency and put this money to use with the utmost speed, efficiency, and transparency in order to create more jobs. I have repeatedly reached out to the Governor and stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress if there are any federal barriers the state has found that are slowing this important process. Turning our economy around and putting people back to work must be our top priority.”

Titus Celebrates Nevada Day and the 145 Anniversary of the Silver State

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement in recognition of Nevada Day, which will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31. Titus joined with the members of the Nevada delegation to introduce House Resolution 821, celebrating Nevada Day and the 145th anniversary of the Silver State.

“On October 31, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln admitted Nevada into the Union as the 36th State, an anniversary celebrated today throughout the state as Nevada Day.

“Over the past 145 years, Nevadans have exemplified their state motto, ‘All for Our Country.’ Their patriotism and sense of duty have made critical contributions to our Nation’s security in times of war and of peace. During World War II and the Cold War, Basic Magnesium Mines and the Nevada Test Site played key roles in United States victories.

“Today, Nevada is a premier destination for tourists, business travelers, family vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the United States and around the globe. They are attracted by Nevada’s many unique features, including the Las Vegas Strip, the Hoover Dam, and beautiful outdoor settings ranging from vibrant desert landscapes to grand ski slopes.

“Nevada exemplifies the independence, opportunity, and pioneering spirit of the West; and I join my fellow Nevadans in celebrating our 145th anniversary.”

Titus Opening Statement at Nevada Workplace Health and Safety Hearing

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District and a member of the House Education and Labor Committee made the following opening statement during the committee’s hearing on “Nevada’s Workplace Health and Safety Enforcement Program: OSHA’s Findings and Recommendations.”

“My home state of Nevada is one of 22 U.S. states that run their own Occupational Safety and Health Administrations. These state programs are required by law to be ‘at least as effective as’ comparable federal standards, but apparently, according to the recent report, we know that has not been the case in Nevada.

“The rules in Nevada may be comparable to federal standards, but what is clear from the federal OSHA’s special review of Nevada’s OSHA enforcement program is that Nevada OSHA has not been enforcing these standards as well as should be the case. Perceived undue political influence has been part of the problem and that must be addressed as well as staffing and training.

“Between 2003 and 2007, the construction illness and injury rate nationally declined by 11.4%, but it increased by 21.4% in Nevada. During an 18-month period between 2006 and 2008, 12 workers were killed on the Las Vegas strip in construction accidents. Yet as the Chairman pointed out, Nevada is well behind the curve in vigorous targeting and enforcement of the most serious safety violations. For example, in 2008, only 29% of Nevada’s violations were cited as serious. This compares to 77% of the federal OSHA’s violations that were cited as serious during the same time period. And from January of 2008 through June of this year, Nevada OSHA cited only one violation as willful.

“Nevada workers need to know that the state and federal OSHA programs will enforce the laws and keep our workers safe. So I thank the Chairman for holding this hearing and I thank the Majority Leader, Senator Reid, for his leadership in this area within the state.”

Titus Recognizes the Contributions of Nevada’s Nuclear Weapons Workers

Washington, D.C. &ndash Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor on House Resolution 790, which supports the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers, and haulers. Below are her remarks as delivered.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 790, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance on October 30, 2009, for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, miller, and haulers. I would like to thank my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Berkley, for introducing this important resolution.

“The national day recognizes the contributions of heroes whose efforts on the front line of the Cold War changed history. Their service to our nation was instrumental in the effort to create a nuclear deterrent that helped defeat the forces of communism. Too often, their efforts are not recognized the way the veterans of other wars have been. But just as our veterans of other battles served with distinction to protect our nation, so too did the workers at atomic weapons facilities.

“More than half a million Americans have worked since 1942 to create and maintain the United States’ nuclear arsenal. And while they did not face the dangers of conventional warfare, unfortunately, too many of these workers were left with the lasting scars of a battle that was waged in labs and test facilities across the country. Many former workers suffered from radiation and toxic exposure in their work on our nuclear forces.

“These workers from around the country deserve our support and are entitled to the care and benefits they have earned from their service during a period of our history when the threat of nuclear war was ever present. Just as we care for our soldiers returning home from the battlefield, it is our responsibility to care for the workers from our nuclear weapons facilities who have been exposed to the dangerous material that has harmed their health.

“I especially salute the workers at the Nevada Test Site, also known as a national sacrifice zone, and thank them for their service. For more than four decades, they tested nuclear weapons that would contribute to the safety and security of our nation. I have been privileged to work with many of them as a board member of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation and as a sponsor of state legislation to help facilitate the creation of Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas so their incredible story can be made available for all to see and contemplate. The UNLV oral history program has also amassed hundreds of interviews with Test Site workers and preserved their experiences and reflections of life in the shadow of the mushroom cloud for scholars, journalists, and other people of interest to have access to.

“So I thank you again, Mr. Speaker, and the other sponsors of this important resolution. I urge its passage and I yield back.”

Titus and Olson Introduce Legislation to Help Small Businesses by Increasing the Meals and Entertainment Tax Deduction

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Dina Titus of Nevada and Pete Olson of Texas introduced legislation to strengthen small businesses by increasing the amount they can deduct from their federal tax filings for meal and entertainment expenses. The Helping Small Businesses Grow and Prosper Act of 2009 allows small businesses that employ 50 or fewer people to deduct up to 80 percent of these expenses from their filings, up from the current level of 50 percent.

“Small businesses are the engines of growth that drive our economy, and during this tough economic time, we must foster an environment that will help our small businesses thrive,” Congresswoman Titus said. “With some of the most important businesses meetings held over a meal, increasing this important deduction will greatly benefit small businesses through additional tax relief that will make them more competitive with larger companies.”

Representative Pete Olson said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and will propel our recovery. It should be our mission to help these primary sources of job creation in ways that enable them to more effectively create and maintain their business relationships. This common sense tax provision will ensure that small businesses are able to compete with larger ones to attract new business or clients.”

Establishing and maintaining strong connections with customers and clients are essential for small businesses. Unlike their larger competitors, small businesses do not have large budgets for advertising, so building lasting relationships and finding innovative ways to attract customers are vital. Many of these relationships are developed over meals and at other events. A 2004 study by the Small Business Administration noted that “small firms obtain significant benefit from the partial deduction of travel and entertainment expenses and derive greater benefits from the program than do large firms. Small firms use the meals and entertainment deduction as their primary marketing tool.” In order to qualify for this deduction, the expense must be either directly related to or associated with business activity.

The Helping Small Businesses Grow and Prosper Act has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Restaurant Association, and the National Small Business Association.

Titus: Recovery Act Sending $138 Million to NV Energy for Smart Grid Technologies

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District applauded the announcement that NV Energy, Inc. will receive $138 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for smart grid technologies. The money is part of a $3.4 billion investment through the Recovery Act that will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment of more than $8 billion.

“This significant investment in smart grid technologies in Nevada will help lower energy bills and reduce consumption by empowering consumers to make smart choices about their energy use,” Congresswoman Titus said. “In addition to securing and strengthening our energy supply, upgrading our energy infrastructure will jumpstart job creation across a number of sectors while spurring growth in Nevada’s growing renewable energy industry.”

With NV Energy providing $160 million in matching funds, a total of $298 million will go toward integrating smart grid technologies that focus on dynamic pricing, customer communications and in-home networks, grid monitoring, distribution automation, distributed renewables, electric vehicles, and the installation of a network of 1.45 million smart meters. An analysis by the Electric Power Research Institute estimates that the implementation of smart grid technologies could reduce electricity use by more than 4 percent by 2030, saving $20.4 billion for businesses and consumers.