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$250 Economic Recovery Payments |
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Headed to Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries |
Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District applauded the announcement
by Vice President Joe Biden and Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries
will receive a $250 payment as early as May of this year. The money for
Nevada’s seniors and people with disabilities is part of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, and no action is required to get the payment, which will
be sent separately from regular monthly payment.
“The
economic recession has hit our state hard, especially Nevada’s seniors who have
saved diligently for years only to see their retirement security threatened as
the stock market plummeted,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This payment will not
replace all that was lost, but can help many Nevadan’s who are struggling to
make ends meet during this difficult economic time. These payments will inject
$13 billion into our economy while providing seniors, people with disabilities,
and veterans with the support they need.”
The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides for a one-time payment of $250
to adult Social Security beneficiaries and to SSI recipients, except those
receiving Medicaid in care facilities. To receive the payment the individual
must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008,
December 2008, or January 2008.
The
legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and
Railroad Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for
paying individuals under their respective programs. However, if someone
receives Social Security and SSI, VA, or RRB benefits, he or she will receive
only one $250 payment.
More
information about the $250 one-time economic recovery payment is available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.
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Titus Highlights $9.7 Million in
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants for Southern Nevada
 Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District highlighted the more
than $9.7 million headed to Southern Nevada for the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grant program announced this morning by the Obama
Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy. The funds for Nevada
are part of a $3.2 billion investment nationwide in energy efficiency
and conservation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“The latest investments in energy efficiency through the recovery
package will help Southern Nevada create jobs while bringing down energy
costs and helping reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Congresswoman
Titus said. “These grants, along with other important energy efficiency
initiatives in the recovery plan, can help the region take advantage of
our abundant renewable energy resources and stimulate economic growth
that will put Nevadans back to work.”
According to the Department of Energy, the following cities that
comprise the Third District will receive a total of $9,724,500 under the
program:
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Henderson - $2,237,000
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Boulder City - $61,000
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Mesquite - $69,900
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Las Vegas - $5,449,200
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North Las Vegas - $1,907,400
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block program will provide funds
for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions and
improve energy efficiency. The money will support energy audits and
energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the
development and implementation of advanced building codes and
inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy
efficiency improvements. Other activities eligible for use of grant
funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, renewable
energy installations on government buildings, and energy efficient
traffic signals and street lights.
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Titus Statement on Passage of
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
Congresswoman
Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District voted today in support of H.R. 1388, The
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The bill, which passed in the House with a
bipartisan vote of 275 to 149, had previously come before the House as the GIVE
Act on March 18 and included an amendment offered by Congresswoman Titus to
create a National Service Reserve Corps. The bill now goes to President Obama
for his signature.
“Our nation is
facing numerous challenges and our state of Nevada is one of the hardest hit.
With public need rising all across the country, now is the time to strengthen
and grow our volunteer programs that provide an invaluable service to our
nation,” Congresswoman Titus said. “With the creation of a new National Service
Reserve Corps, we are providing opportunities for those who have already shown
the commitment and determination to serve their community and continue their
efforts to help those in need.”
The Edward M.
Kennedy Serve America Act will increase the number of volunteers nationwide to
175,000, up from 75,000. It establishes new corps to help build a green and
energy-efficient economy, enhance services for veterans when they return home,
expand access to affordable health care, and help increase student achievement.
The bill also increases the education reward that participants receive in
exchange for their contributions to $5,350, the same as the maximum Pell Grant
award.
Titus’ amendment
creates a National Service Reserve Corps composed of alumni of AmeriCorps and
Senior Corps as well as veterans that can be called upon in times of natural
disasters and emergencies to start the relief and rebuilding process. The Corps
members will have valuable training experience from their previous service as
well as annual training sessions in emergency response.
Nevada AmeriCorps
volunteers have been invaluable to their communities, with over 2,000 members
serving in 15 different programs. They have provided more than 2.5 million
hours of service and earned more than $4.7 million in education credits. In
2007, AmeriCorps programs contributed more than 25,000 hours of service to
Nevada and recruited more than 3,300 community volunteers.
