May '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Senator Harry Reid Column

Reid Connects With Nevada Moms
In Advance Of Mothers’ Day

Reid hosts conference call with blogging moms
to discuss food safety, workplace flexibility

May 06, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today hosted a conference call with mom bloggers from Nevada and across the country to discuss issues important to them in advance of Mothers’ Day this Sunday, May 8. Reid discussed the work he has done throughout his career to protect the interests of women and their families. During the call, Reid and the participants discussed the importance of passing strict food safety regulation and adding flexibility in the workplace, especially for mothers.

“It was such a pleasure to talk with Nevada mothers about their concerns,” said Reid. “The mothers I talked to today are very strong advocates for themselves and for their families. They are serious about the issues and our discussion shows that we are on the right track to pass bills that matter at the kitchen table and in the family budget.”

Listening to the participants’ strong support of such legislation, Reid said that he would support a Government Accountability Office study of workplace flexibility in federal agencies to see what costs and changes would be associated with increased flexibility policies, and how that would translate to the private sector. Currently Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) is advocating a bill that would require executive agencies to establish a telework policy. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) is working on a House Bill that would allow employees to request charges in the terms of their work conditions without fear of being treated differently. Reid supports both efforts.

Reid has also been a strong advocate of food safety legislation. He discussed challenges to passing a food safety bill and said he is committed to passing it this year. This law would give the FDA the authority to issue a mediatory recall when food manufactures fail to do so. It also would create a trace-back system so tainted ingredients can be found and contained.

Below are tweets from call participants. Follow Senator Reid on Twitter @SenatorReid

http://twitter.com/MOMocrats/status/13500957762

http://twitter.com/MOMocrats/status/13501401082

Reid Statement On National Day Of Prayer

May 05, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement in recognition of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6.

“This day of reflection provides an opportunity for people of all faiths to gather in prayer and exercise our right to religious freedom. My faith has always been a comfort and a guide to me during my career serving the Silver State. My prayers continue to be for my own family, the members of our military and the people of Nevada who are enduring hard times and unprecedented challenges. It is my hope that this day of shared reflection unifies us in our desire to work together toward the brighter future we hope for.”

Reid Celebrates Cinco De Mayo

May 05, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today regarding Cinco de Mayo, a date which commemorates the historic battle in Puebla, Mexico, as well as the contributions of U.S. Hispanics:

“Today I join and congratulate the Mexican-American community in Nevada and throughout the country as they celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This day has become part of U.S. Hispanic culture, especially in the Mexican-American community given its historical value. Today’s celebration commemorates a battle in which brave Mexican soldiers defeated the invading French Army in the Mexican city of Puebla. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo has become an American celebration, symbolizing the pride, tenacity and diversity which makes this country a great nation.

“As one of the fastest growing communities in Nevada and around the country, the contributions of Latinos has enriched America’s history, culture and development. In my state, almost 25% of the population is Hispanic, and the community’s influence and impact is felt statewide.

“As I join the Latino community in celebrating Cinco de Mayo, I recommit myself to fighting for the issues that matter to Hispanic Nevadans and those across the country - job creation, affordable and quality health care, immigration reform, and homeowner protections.”

Reid Introduces Bill To Stop
Development Of Sloan Hills Gravel Pit

Thousands of local residents oppose development
of proposed mine near Henderson neighborhoods

May 05, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today introduced legislation to block development of a proposed gravel pit near Henderson, Nevada. The bill would withdraw 640 acres proposed for the mine site from being used for a gravel quarry or any similar purpose. Reid has heard from thousands of people in southern Nevada who are deeply concerned about the effects that the proposed gravel mine would have on Henderson’s neighborhoods, including serious potential impacts on air quality.

“Over the past year I have heard from thousands of southern Nevadans who strongly oppose the Sloan Hills gravel pit, and I share their concerns,” Reid said. “The potential negative impacts of the proposed operation far outweigh any benefit the mine may provide. My bill will put an end to the gravel mine and safeguard the health and welfare of Henderson’s residents.”

The following link is to a map of the area detailing the parcel that will be withdrawn: http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/upload/sloan_mineral_map.pdf

Senator Reid’s statement as submitted for the record is included below.

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Sloan Hills Withdrawal Act of 2010.

“Over the past year, I have been contacted by thousands of people in southern Nevada who have voiced serious concerns about a proposed aggregate mining operation that would be located on federal land very near Henderson, Nevada. I have a simple goal with the legislation that I am introducing today. My bill will stop the development of the proposed 640-acre gravel pit by withdrawing the area from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws and disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral materials. In short, this legislation makes sure that the proposed gravel operations at Sloan Hills will not go forward.

“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently evaluating a proposal for a major gravel operation at the site in question. If approved, the resulting mine would blast rock, crush gravel, kick up dust, and consume precious water resources up to twenty-four hours a day, every day, for thirty years. This would all be done just a few miles from numerous Henderson neighborhoods.

“Citizens from all over Clark County have rallied against this project because of its potential affect on the health of residents and the toll that the blasting other operations would have on an otherwise peaceful community. Because this project would be on federal land local governments are limited in their ability to influence the outcome of the Sloan Hills proposal. It is clear to all of us, though, that the proposed location for this gravel quarry is not in the best interest of our community.

“One of the major points of concern raised by Henderson residents is the large clouds of fine particulate matter that would be generated by mining activities at the Sloan Hills site. The dust kicked up by the proposed gravel operation would undoubtedly complicate the current air quality challenges in the Las Vegas Valley and would be particularly troublesome for members of nearby, age-restricted communities that have seniors already suffering from respiratory problems. Blasting and rock-crushing operations are also expected to generate noise and vibrations that will interfere with residents’ daily lives.

“Mr. President, this bill is important to me and to the people of southern Nevada. Keeping our communities safe and healthy is critical. I appreciate your help and I look forward to working with Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Murkowski and the other distinguished members of the Senate Energy Committee to move this legislation forward in the near future.

“I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.”

Reid Statement On
Clark County Commission’s Gold Butte Resolution

May 04, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the resolution passed by the Clark County Commission in support of designating Gold Butte as a national conservation area. The resolution also calls for establishing a number of wilderness areas and protecting existing access.

“The Gold Butte area is home to an incredible array of natural and cultural treasures, including early mining camps, ancient Native American petroglyphs, wild sandstone formations and critical wildlife habitat. As this area has become more popular and visitation has increased, the impact to the area’s resources has become quite evident.

“With today’s vote, the Clark County Commission has provided a framework for the long-term protection of Gold Butte’s most sensitive lands and resources, while also making sure that the families who have accessed and enjoyed Gold Butte for generations can continue to do so. I look forward to working with the Nevada congressional delegation and local residents to craft legislation that fulfills these goals.”

Reid Meets With Representatives From
The Quality Construction Alliance

May 04, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today met with representatives John Roach and Angelo Iannucci from the Quality Construction Alliance. During their meeting, Senator Reid addressed major issues important to the organization including job creation and energy use.

“Job creation remains one of my highest priorities for Nevada, and nowhere is this more important than in the construction industry,” Reid said. “I share the Alliance’s interest in providing greater employment opportunities and promoting energy saving solutions for commercial, industrial and apartment buildings. Every step we take to promote energy independence moves us closer to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing a more diverse economy for Nevada.”

Senator Reid meets with John Roach from the Quality Construction Alliance. Member Angelo Iannucci also attended the meeting.

Reid Statement On Occupational Safety And Health Week

May 04, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today in recognition of Occupational Safety and Health Week, which runs from May 2 to May 8:

“In addition to being one of the fastest growing states, Nevada is home to one of the largest construction industries in the nation,” Reid said. “We must continue to improve and enforce safety measures that ensure a safe working environment at all times. Fatal accidents are not acceptable. By following tighter regulations, our state’s workplaces will adopt safer work practices, resulting in fewer accidents and less spending for accident and injury cases. The end result is more funding available to put Nevadans back on the job in a safe working environment.”

Reid Statement On Teacher Appreciation Week

May 03, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week:

“I appreciate and admire Nevada’s teachers for the impact they have on our children and the future of our state. In the wake of crippling state budget cuts and increasing class sizes, Nevada’s teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide quality instruction for the future leaders of our state. I understand the role teachers play, and to help them improve student performance, I will continue working to help our education system have the resources it needs to recruit teachers, improve training, reward effectiveness and embrace innovation.”

Throughout his career, Senator Reid has supported Nevada teachers by fighting for additional resources at the federal level and securing funding for Nevada for important school improvements. Reid also led passage of the Economic Recovery Act which provided over $500 million in funding for Nevada's schools to help prevent teacher layoffs and create jobs for educators across the state. The Recovery Act also included funding to help address teacher shortages in the state and provide thousands of new jobs for individuals seeking to enter the teaching field.