January '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley Column

Oscar And Shelley Talk Jobs, Economy

** Goodman, Berkley Meet in Washington to Discuss Las Vegas Needs **
January 21, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today met with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. The pair discussed ways to spur job creation and economic growth, as well as the need to help homeowners facing foreclosure and to aid local businesses. Goodman was in Washington this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting and visited Berkley in her Congressional office.

“Mayor Goodman and I remain focused on ways we can work together to create jobs in Las Vegas and to help local families and businesses still struggling as a result of the economic crisis,” said Berkley. “We’ve never experienced a downturn in the Las Vegas economy like the one we saw in 2009 and along with Mayor Goodman, I am looking for ways to help get businesses hiring again and workers back on the job.”

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman noted, “Congresswoman Berkley and I are working very hard to bring relief to the jobless and help to those facing foreclosure. Our ultimate aim is to ease the economic woe in southern Nevada.”

He added that he met with other members of the Nevada congressional delegation this week and indicated that our Washington representatives are focused on finding solutions to our economic downturn and bringing as much aid to the state as possible.

Berkley pointed to new funding for job training that was provided this week to Nevada under the stimulus act.

“Just this week, Nevada received $6 million in stimulus funding for job training in the green energy and efficiency fields. That is on top of the funding we already received for healthcare needs in Nevada, to keep teachers on the job in Clark County classrooms and to extend unemployment assistance for families so they can keep a roof over head and food on the table,” said Berkley.

The Congresswoman also discussed the need to assist commercial property owners facing their own foreclosure wave.

“One issue that we must continue to confront is a rise in the number of commercial real estate foreclosures we are seeing nationwide,” said Berkley. “Together with Valley families who face the loss of a home, these commercial property owners need our assistance with foreclosure prevention services—including new financing options. I have met personally with regulators and federal officials about the immediate need for action to prevent a wave of additional commercial foreclosures.”

Berkley Delivers $6 Million For Nevada Green Job Training

Latest Stimulus Funding Will Open Doors for New Employment Opportunities Across the Silver State
January 20, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) will receive $6 million in Recovery Act funding to train workers for jobs in the green energy and efficiency fields.

“Training men and women in these fields will help put Nevadans to work in the new green economy at a time when unemployment remains a top issue and families continue to struggle,” said Berkley. “When I am home, I hear from Nevadans every day who say this is the worst economy we have ever seen locally and I know how many of our friends and loved ones are having a tough time just keeping their heads above water.”

Funding for Nevada was awarded through the State Energy Training Partnership grants program administered by the Department of Labor. The resources are part of a larger stimulus initiative—totaling $500 million—to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries.

“Valley job seekers will have the opportunity to learn valuable new skills as a result of this grant. Through their participation in this training program, we could see thousands of workers back on the job and bringing home a paycheck. And this is just one more example of how the stimulus is helping Nevada as we continue to recover from the financial crisis,” Berkley said. “Funding from the stimulus has created or saved thousands of jobs, provided an extension of unemployment assistance, and allowed our state to maintain critical education and healthcare services for Nevada families.”

The Nevada State Energy Sector Partnership will play a key role in developing a national green economy by targeting energy efficiency and renewable energy and other green industries. The partnership will teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, leading to job placement, job creation and economic growth.

“Businesses and homeowners are realizing the savings that come from making buildings in Las Vegas and nationwide more energy efficient. Solar production and the use of other forms of renewable energy are also rapidly expanding and these funds will prepare Nevadans to help tap America’s abundance of clean energy resources,” Berkley said. “These grants, which I strongly supported with my vote for job creation under the stimulus plan, will enable program participants—including veterans and disabled Nevadans—to receive the technical training and job skills needed to qualify for industry-recognized credentials.”

Comprehensive training activities will be provided through the state’s system of higher education, which includes universities, colleges, and community colleges, select high schools, strategically located training facilities, apprenticeship programs, and energy partners.

A total of 7,125 individuals will begin education/training activities. Nearly 6,300 participants are estimated to complete education/training activities and receive a degree or certificate.

Key partnerships will include: Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Sierra Nevada Chapter, Customer Service Management Consultants, Nevada Development Authority, Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada Hospital Association, Nevada Commission on Economic Development, NV Energy, Nevada Manufacturer’s Association, Workforce CONNECTIONS, Nevadaworks, Nevada Department of Labor; Nevada State Office of Energy, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Reno Field Office; Nevada System of Higher Education, Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Southwest Gas Corporation, Mountaintop Faith Ministries, and Nevada Veterans Services.

Background on the State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants:

The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants are designed to teach workers the skills required in emerging industries, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

These grants are designed to achieve the following goals:

Create an integrated system of education, training and supportive services that promotes skill attainment and career pathway development for low-income, low-skilled workers leading to employment in green industries.
Support states in implementing a statewide energy sector strategy.
Build and strengthen partnerships dedicated to building a skilled clean energy workforce.
Develop new partnerships with other agencies receiving Recovery Act funds to support strategic planning and implementation efforts.

The State Energy Training Partnership grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative—totaling $500 million—to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries.

House OK’s Bill Allowing Nevadans To Deduct Haiti Relief Donations On ’09 Tax Returns

** Berkley Cosponsor of Legislation from Ways and Means Committee **
January 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted in favor of legislation that would allow Americans making charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return. The House passed the bill unanimously.

“Instead of having to wait until next year, Americans who contribute to relief efforts in Haiti will receive credit on their 2009 tax return,” said Berkley, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. “Nevadans are opening their wallets and checkbooks and texting donations to help the victims of the earthquake, and this is one way we can help to offset the cost to families and individuals.”

The bill, which Berkley cosponsored, is similar to legislation approved in January of 2005 for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Nevadans wishing to donate to international relief efforts can find guidelines from the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) via the Internet at www.cidi.org/guidelines/guide_ln.html.

Berkley Calls HUD Secretary Donovan To Discuss Neighborhood Stabilization Funding

January 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today spoke with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shaun Donovan to forcefully voice her frustration with the process used to determine which communities would receive funding under the second round of awards issued through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Berkley also used the opportunity to personally tell the Secretary about Southern Nevada having the worst foreclosure crisis in the nation.

“I am pleased that the Secretary heard me out, and after our conversation, I know he is very aware of the situation we face in Southern Nevada. He indicated to me it was his understanding that Southern Nevada faced difficulties in utilizing resources that have already been allocated.

“I am also in conversations with local officials to discuss how we can move forward to be able to take full advantage of those dollars we have and future funding we would be eligible to receive.

“The Secretary pledged that he and his department would work with me, the Nevada delegation and our local officials to meet this goal.

“It was helpful that a HUD representative was in Las Vegas today assessing the situation on the ground with local entities. We hope this will help get things on track for Southern Nevada,” said Berkley.

Berkley Backs Bill Allowing Nevadans To Deduct Haiti Relief Donations On ’09 Tax Returns

January 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has cosponsored legislation that would allow Americans making charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return.

“Instead of being required to wait until next year, Nevadans who contribute to disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts in Haiti will receive credit on their 2009 tax return under our legislation,” said Berkley, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

The bill is similar to legislation approved in January of 2005 for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Nevadans wishing to donate to international relief efforts can find guidelines from the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) via the Internet at www.cidi.org/guidelines/guide_ln.html.