March '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus Column

Titus Statement on President Signing the HIRE Act

March 18, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on President Obama’s signing of the HIRE Act.

“The HIRE Act is one of many steps we must implement to create jobs and put people back to work in Nevada. This important bill provides for critical investments in highway and transit projects that will boost our struggling construction sector. By providing small businesses with tax breaks and tax credits, we are on the path to once again make them the engines of growth that power our economy. Moving forward, we must continue to make job creation a top priority. The people of Southern Nevada can afford nothing less.”

Titus: We Must Protect and Strengthen Medicare for Nevada’s Seniors

March 17, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor tonight during a Democratic special order hour on protecting Medicare. Below are her remarks as delivered. Click here to watch her speech.

“Well thank you very much, and thank you for leadership on this issue and for organizing tonight’s discussion about something that is so important. Nevada has had the fastest growing senior population in the country for the last decade and even though we have slowed down a little generally, that percentage is expected to continue, so you can imagine what an important issue this is for me. And like Mr. Garamendi, my mother too is on Medicare, so I can’t imagine why anybody would think we would want to hurt Medicare benefits when our own mothers are beneficiaries along with so many other seniors in this country.

“I share your frustration, because I have had a lady follow me around to some of our town hall meetings wearing a t-shirt that says, “I’m the grandmother you want to kill.” She believed those early ads about the death panels in the health care bill. So there is an awful lot of misinformation out there that we need to correct and that’s why a discussion like this is so important.

“You know, generations of America’s seniors have relied on Medicare in their golden years and we must ensure that it is there for them in the future. This means that we need health care reform as you have described on your chart there that strengthens Medicare. Rising health care costs threaten our current Medicare system. We need to be sure that it remains solvent. We have to enact reform that strengthens Medicare’s financial footing and extends the life of the Medicare trust fund. We also must bring down those prescription drug costs. We need to reduce costs for both Medicare and for seniors individually and close the donut hole that so many of our seniors fall into, forcing them to choose between life-saving medication and other necessities, like buying groceries or paying the power bill.

“It is because of my commitment to Nevada’s seniors that I was proud to support the House health care reform bill, because in addition to the things that I just mentioned and you all have been talking about, it also benefited seniors by removing lifetime caps on coverage and included free preventive care – in other words, no co-pays on important tests like mammograms and colonoscopies. So I am hopeful that these reforms will be things that we can enact in the coming days, and I look forward to seeing that final health care language to be sure that they are in there.

“You know, I’m dedicated to protecting Medicare and I know how important it is for the seniors in District Three. I would never do anything that would reduce or undermine the care that they receive.

“That is why I introduced legislation, and I appreciate all of your support on it, that protects seniors from increases in their Medicare premiums. It is called the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, and I introduced it last year and it would protect seniors from an increase in their premiums. In past years, seniors have received a cost-of-living increase in their Social Security to offset any increase in their Medicare premium. Well this year, for the first time in 35 years, seniors are not receiving that cost-of-living increase, meaning that higher Medicare premiums would result in lower Social Security benefits for a net loss. For seniors on fixed incomes who count on every dollar just to get by, this is unacceptable because they will be receiving less in Social Security. My bill would protect all seniors from an increase in those Medicare premiums this year until the cost of living kicks in in the future.

“Unfortunately, and how many times have we seen this, and I’m expressing my personal frustration but also of this body I believe, one Republican in the Senate has held up the speedy passage of this bill that is so important to seniors. This shouldn’t be allowed to happen because it’s too important in the lives of the American people. So I’m going to continue to fight to see that this bill becomes law and in a way that would be retroactive to help the seniors who may have already seen those deductions kick in.

“So thank you again for having this discussion. Medicare is critical to the health and well-being of our seniors, and I look forward to working with you on the Seniors Task Force to highlight and advocate on these important issues that affect our senior population.”

Titus on Extension of Key Provisions that Nevadans Count on During These Tough Economic Times

March 17, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on House passed extensions of unemployment benefits, COBRA assistance, and Medicare payment rates.

“The extension of these key provisions is good news for many folks in Southern Nevada who are struggling during these tough economic times. As we work to create jobs in Nevada that will put people back to work, extending unemployment benefits and health care assistance through COBRA is critical as people fight every day just to keep body and soul together. Extending these benefits for some families may be the difference between making or missing the next mortgage payment, and preventing drastic cuts to Medicare payments will ensure that seniors will continue to have access to the doctor they trust.”

Titus Fighting for Constituents in Washington While Serving Them in Southern Nevada

March 16, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke today on the House floor. Below are her remarks as delivered. Click here to watch her speech.

“Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last week, I hosted a telephone town hall with more than 3,500 people tuned in from District Three. This was an excellent opportunity to hear directly from my constituents about the issues that are important to their lives.

“This was the sixth telephone town hall that I have participated in. In addition, we have answered some 95,000 letters, held 10 Congress on the Corners, and hosted five housing workshops. These means of communication have helped me to be a powerful voice for the people of District Three and to provide as much transparency as possible about the proceedings here in Washington.

“In fact, thanks to these efforts, I have put $1.6 million directly in the pockets of Southern Nevadans by fighting for veterans to get their benefits; seniors to get their Social Security benefits; and homeowners to receive loan modifications that keep them in their homes.

“I have made it a top priority to stay closely connected to my constituents, fighting for them in Washington while serving them in Southern Nevada, and I encourage them to call on me any time.”

Titus Introduces the Ensuring Worker Safety Act

Legislation Makes OSHA Reforms that Protect Workers

March 16, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District introduced the Ensuring Worker Safety Act this morning. The legislation aims to protect workers by assuring that state OSHA plans are at least as effective as federal standards and enforcement, while protecting states’ rights by giving OSHA additional options when a state plan is found to be underperforming.

“The tragic deaths of numerous workers in Southern Nevada highlighted the need to ensure that state OSHA plans are doing their job of protecting workers,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Unfortunately under current law, federal OSHA is left with only two options, both at the extreme end of the spectrum, when it finds state plans that are ineffective. This legislation provides OSHA with an important middle ground so it is not left with the choice of doing nothing or the drastic step of terminating a state plan. ”

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 sets out a federal-state framework for workplace safety and health. Under existing law, states may either apply to the federal Department of Labor to operate their own state health and safety program or remain under federal OSHA authority. To be approved, states must demonstrate that their program standards and enforcement are “at least as effective” as federal OSHA. Currently, there are 22 states and territories, including Nevada, where health and safety enforcement is done by state health and safety programs.

Once federal OSHA issues final approval for a state plan, OSHA is extremely limited in its authority to hold state plans accountable. If OSHA determines that an approved state plan is not “at least as effective as” federal standards and enforcement, its only recourse to compel changes to an underperforming program is to terminate the state plan, a drastic step that would remove state control, leave state and local government employees unprotected, and add costs to DOL for funding and running a health and safety program in the state.

Specifically, the Ensuring Worker Safety Act establishes a formal mechanism for OSHA to identify a problem with a state plan and compel a remedy without beginning the process for withdrawing approval. It also ensures the continued application of health and safety regulations by providing OSHA with concurrent enforcement authority while a state plan is remedying deficiencies. Finally, the bill holds federal OSHA accountable for providing strong oversight and guidance to state plans by establishing a regular Government Accountability Office study—one every five years—to look at the effectiveness of state plans and the Secretary of Labor’s oversight of such plans.

A number of deaths on the job led to Nevada being the first state in the country to have an in-depth review that highlighted the problems facing Nevada OSHA. This review made it clear to Titus that federal OSHA needs an additional option to work with states that are not meeting federal standards.

Titus Bill Creates Award to Honor School Support Staff

March 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke today on the House floor on H.R. 2377, legislation she introduced to establish a National Classified School Employees of the Year Award, which passed by voice vote. Below are remarks as delivered. Click here to watch her speech.

“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 2377, a bill to establish a National Classified School Employees of the Year Award.

“For teachers to teach, and students to learn, schools must be well-maintained; students must be kept healthy and safe; and all of the adults with whom students interact throughout their day, whether on the playground or in the lunchroom, must support a school’s culture of excellence.

“Classified employees help to create and maintain an atmosphere that fosters achievement by working tirelessly to ensure the success of our nation’s students in public schools, colleges, and universities. They provide essential services, including transportation, facilities maintenance and operations, food service, safety, health care, and others. Whether they are in the classroom alongside teachers, helping to establish and promote a high-quality instructional educational environment, or in a bus making sure that students arrive at school on time so they are ready to learn, these classified employees play a vital role in our schools; and they should be recognized for the outstanding work that they do.

“There are approximately 2.8 million education support professionals across the country. Yet too often their contributions go unrecognized, and that is why I am so pleased to have worked with you, Madam Speaker [Rep. Lynn Woolsey], as the lead sponsors of this resolution, a bill that would establish a National Classified School Employees of the Year Award, and I am proud that this legislation has 57 bipartisan supporters and cosponsors.

“This award would be very similar to the Teacher of the Year Award, but would recognize outstanding public school employees who provide support services to students from pre-kindergarten through higher education in nine categories:

Paraprofessionals;

Clerical services;

Custodial and maintenance services;

Transportation services;

Food services;

Skilled trades;

Health and student services;

Security services; and

Technical services.

“The Secretary of Education will solicit nominations from the states in each of these occupational specialties. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in work performance; school and community involvement; leadership and commitment; local support; enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and the school; and any other area of superior performance as determined by the Secretary. The award winners will be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the President.

“Let me be clear—this is not a new government program, and honoring these special employees will not cost the government any money. Nor would this be the first time that government agencies have presented such awards to individuals who make important contributions. Both the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce currently give such awards.

“Honoring our classified school employees will provide the recognition and appreciation they deserve for the important work they do every day on the front lines to help our students succeed. As Booker T. Washington said, ‘Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.’

“So I urge my colleagues reward the uncommon excellence of classified school employees by supporting H.R. 2377, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

Titus: My Thoughts and Prayers Are With the Reid Family

March 12, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Reid family. I have known Senator Reid for many years and have seen how much Landra and his family mean to him. I look forward to Landra and Lana making a full and swift recovery.”

Titus: NV Energy Agreement with Department of Energy for Smart Grid Funding Is a Major Step for Nevada’s Energy Future

March 12, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on the announcement that NV Energy has signed an agreement with the Department of Energy for $138 million in Recovery Act funds for a smart grid infrastructure.

“NV Energy’s agreement with the Department of Energy for smart grid funding is an important step forward for Nevada’s clean energy future. This significant investment in smart grid technologies in our state will help lower energy bills and reduce consumption by empowering consumers to make smart choices about their energy use. 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.”

Titus Letter to Obama on Housing Plan for Short-Term Relief and Long-Term Stability

March 12, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District sent the following letter to President Obama today on her plan to address the housing crisis to provide short-term relief to families as well as long-term stability. Titus has been sending letters to the President for the last few months to keep him updated on the housing challenges Nevadans are facing.

Below is the text of the letter.

March 12, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Obama.

Thank you for visiting Las Vegas and my congressional district last month. I am pleased that you were able to hear first hand from my constituents about the challenging economic situation in Southern Nevada. I hope that got a real sense about the problems that Southern Nevadans are facing every day.

As you know, Southern Nevada was labeled “ground zero” of the foreclosure crisis by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan during a visit last summer, so it is fitting that you announced your administration’s intention to provide $1.5 billion for the states that have been hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis in Las Vegas. I want to applaud you for this decision and I hope that this will be just the first step your administration takes to help homeowners in the hardest hit areas.

Last week, I offered a proposal to the Nevada Housing Division (the state’s Housing Finance Agency) regarding its forthcoming application for funding. Nevada’s maximum funding allocation is $102.8 million and it is important that this funding is used to help as many homeowners fight foreclosure as possible.

It is my understanding that some of the states slated to receive a portion of this funding are considering implementing programs that will provide either loans or grants to struggling homeowners. While these types of programs may be effective in some states, I am concerned that they will be nothing more than a “band aid” in Southern Nevada where 70 percent of homeowners are “underwater” on their mortgages and unemployment is at 13 percent. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 homeowners in Nevada are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure in the near future. Because housing prices have fallen nearly 50 percent from their peak just a few years ago, many homeowners are hopelessly “underwater.” While a grant may allow these homeowners to make a few mortgage payments, when the assistance period ends, the vast majority of these homeowners will still be upside down on their mortgages. If a loan program is instituted, these homeowners will not only still have an “underwater” home, but will then have loan payments to make as well.

I believe these funds should be used in ways that not only help families avoid foreclosure in the next few months, but also help build long-term financial stability. Because so many homeowners are “underwater,” the only long-term solution is principal forgiveness. In the past few months, the level of “short selling” has risen dramatically as lenders are often agreeing to sell the home to a new owner for significantly less than the value of the mortgage. Short sales are likely to increase again in April with the expansion of “Making Home Affordable” incentives. Rather than forcing families to leave their homes through short sales, it would be better for neighborhoods and communities if lenders would simply reduce the mortgage principal for the family currently living in the home in exchange for an equity sharing agreement. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of distressed sales are to investors with no intention of ever occupying the property, speculators, if you will, who got us into this problem in the first place.

I hope that you will join me in supporting solutions that provide long-term stability, not band aids for the foreclosure crisis.

Sincerely,

Dina Titus
Member of Congress