March '09 Nevada Government - Dina Titus column

Titus Statement on New Unemployment Numbers

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement on the latest jobs report showing that 651,000 jobs were lost in February. The national unemployment rate rose to 8.1 percent and Nevada’s unemployment rate increased to 9.4 percent.

“Since this economic recession began in December of 2007, Nevada has endured record foreclosures and an unemployment rate that is approaching double digits. This Congress inherited a deep economic crisis that will not turn around over night. Today’s news that 651,000 jobs were lost last month makes it clear that the road back to economic security will not be easy and it will take time. But already, Congress has taken critical steps to put our nation on the path to recovery.

“We passed a recovery package that will create millions of jobs, including 34,000 jobs in Nevada. As part of one of the largest tax cuts in history, 95 percent of Americans will receive a tax cut. And we invested in critical needs such as aging infrastructure and education programs that are threatened by deep budget cuts.

“This important legislation marked the beginning of our efforts to fix our economy, and I stand committed to working with President Obama and in the spirit of bipartisanship with my colleagues in Congress to take Nevada and our nation in a new direction.”

Titus Announces Recovery Coordinator for Congressional Office

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District announced that she has named Susan Petersen as Recovery Coordinator for her congressional office. Petersen, who currently handles casework for Congresswoman Titus, will serve as the main point of contact in the office on all issues related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“I am pleased to announce that Susan Petersen will serve as Recovery Coordinator during this critical time. Having met with my constituents across the Third District, I know there are a number of questions about the recovery plan, and by creating this important position, we will provide the necessary information that will help local government, businesses, and individuals benefit from the recovery package and create jobs in Southern Nevada.”

As a liaison between local government, organizations, and constituents with questions on the recovery plan, Petersen will oversee projects funded by the legislation and ensure that the Third District can maximize the benefits of the recovery plan.

Congresswoman Titus Testifies on Budget Priorities

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District testified today at a Budget Committee hearing on important aspects of President Obama’s budget for Fiscal Year 2010. Titus discussed the critical investments in renewable energy, while expressing concern about some of the tax provisions that will effect housing and charitable giving. Below are her remarks as delivered.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to express my views on the President’s budget before your committee. During this time of economic uncertainty, it has never been more important than now to closely examine each and every dollar of federal spending. I appreciate the work you are doing to ensure that all points of view are considered throughout this budget process. While I am pleased by much of the President’s request, particularly the investments in clean energy technology, I have concerns about some of the tax provisions that are included in the budget outline.

“The President’s budget outline indicates important investments in the research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. I have heard from many of the businesses in my Congressional District that the credit crisis has caused the renewable energy industry to come to a screeching halt. I strongly supported provisions in the economic recovery package that will make it easier for solar, wind and other renewable industries to gain access to the capital necessary to deploy these new technologies at speed and scale.

“I am pleased now that the President’s budget builds on the recovery package and supports the loan guarantee program for innovative technologies, including renewable energy projects and transmission projects. I also strongly support investments in research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies and investment in the electric grid, as outlined in the President’s request. And lastly, I applaud, and I applaud loudly, the President for scaling back the Yucca Mountain program. For years, Nevadans have fought against this disastrous plan to store nuclear waste in our backyard. Nevada is not a wasteland. The President’s budget is a significant step in the right direction.

“Now I recognize that we have to make difficult choices in order to reduce the deficit and improve the economy. However, I remain concerned about President Obama’s proposal to reduce the itemized deduction rate for families with incomes over $250,000. I am particularly concerned with the impact this provision could have on housing and charitable giving.

“The Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) is an important incentive that encourages Americans all over the country to buy homes. Many consider the MID to be the single most important tax incentive facilitating home ownership in the United States. I am concerned that reducing the value of this incentive would lead to the further deterioration of the housing market. It has become evident over the past few years that the housing market is tied closely to the national economy as a whole. With the economy in its current state, we simply cannot afford to make changes to the tax code that could lead to a further decline in home prices. The housing market in Congressional District Three in Nevada – previously one of the fastest growing markets in the nation – is currently in shambles. Today, nearly 58.2 percent of Las Vegas homes have negative equity. We can’t afford to let prices drop any further by making it less attractive to buy a home.

“I am similarly concerned about the impact the proposal to reduce the itemized deduction rate could have on charitable giving. The tax deduction for charitable giving encourages Americans to make contributions to philanthropic organizations, many of which have been hard hit by the economic crisis. With so many people in need, the services many charities provide are in high demand. I believe that it is the wrong time to make changes to the tax code that could make charitable contributions less attractive.

“Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to express my views about the President’s FY 2010 budget request. I have stated some of the things that I like and pointed out some of the things I have concerns about. I look forward to working with you all to ensure that Congress passes a responsible budget that puts our economy back on track.”

Nevada to Receive Nearly $72 Million for Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Programs Under Recovery Act

Titus Highlights Investments to Create Jobs and Lower Energy Bills

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District highlighted the $71.9 million headed to Nevada for weatherization funding and energy efficiency programs announced this morning by the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy. The funds for Nevada are part of a nearly $8 billion nationwide energy efficiency effort under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“With the latest influx of funds from the recovery package, Nevadans will save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills while providing a jolt to a growing industry that will create good jobs for our region,” Congresswoman Titus said. “These funds will also promote energy efficiency and take steps toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

According to the Department of Energy, Nevada will receive $37,281,937 for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $34,714,000 for the State Energy Program.

The Weatherization Assistance Program allows low-income families to make their homes more energy efficient, reducing heating bills by an average of 32 percent and saving hundreds of dollars per year on energy bills. By putting that money in the pockets of homeowners, the program helps stimulate economic development and will help support a growing industry that is creating jobs. Investments of up to $6,500 per home will be available for families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy savings improvements; the development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; the promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.