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

Titus Statement on the Passing of Barbara Greenspun

June 2, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on the passing of Barbara Greenspun.

“With the sad passing of Barbara Greenspun, Las Vegas has lost a remarkable individual who gave so much of herself to our community. Always generous in spirit, Barbara committed herself not only to her work at the Las Vegas Sun, but to a number of important causes, including higher education and women’s health, that bettered the lives of so many in Southern Nevada. While she will be truly missed, her legacy will live on through her family, the landmark Greenspun building at UNLV, and the continued excellence of the Las Vegas Sun. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara’s family and friends during this sad time.”

Titus Honors the Sacrifice of Our Nation’s Brave Men and Women on Memorial Day

May 31, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today in commemoration of Memorial Day.

“Today we come together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and thank them for their service. Because of the sacrifice of so many men and women throughout our nation’s history, our country is a safer place. The individuals we remember today may not have fought alongside each other in battle, but they fought together in spirit to protect the United States and all that it stands for.

“As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to our country, we also commemorate the service of the veterans who returned home after fighting overseas to build families and communities. They returned from the darkness of war to build a nation that serves as a beacon of light for the rest of the world. Their hard work, commitment, and determination built the United States into a country with opportunity and prosperity for all.

“On this day of remembrance, we also keep in our hearts and prayers those who are currently answering the call to serve in locations around the world. These courageous servicemen and women are overseas fighting to protect our safety and the values that we hold dear. We will continue to pray for each son, daughter, mother, father, brother and sister until they return home safely to their families.

“Today we join in solidarity with millions of Americans as one nation to honor those who have answered the call and protected our families, our values, and our country.”

Titus Votes to Create and Save Jobs and End Tax Loopholes for Shipping Jobs Overseas

Bill Also Ensures Seniors Will Not Lose Access to Their Doctor

May 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District voted today in support of a measure that creates and saves jobs while extending unemployment benefits for Nevadans, ends tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas, and prevents drastic cuts to doctors who treat Medicare patients.

“With unemployment in Nevada at a record high, it is critical that we provide some relief by extending unemployment benefits for those who are struggling to find work,” Congresswoman Titus said. “More importantly, we must create an environment that will foster economic growth and allow our small businesses to prosper and create jobs. Through tax credits and greater access to credit, this bill will help Nevada’s small businesses get back on their feet and again become engines of economic growth.”

“Among the many tax breaks in this bill that will benefit Nevadans, one is of particular importance. Nevadans will again be able to deduct state and local sales taxes on their federal returns, saving them money at a time when every dollar counts,” Titus continued.

H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, will help create and save jobs by restoring credit to small businesses, extending tax incentives for research and development, and financing infrastructure projects that support jobs nationwide. In addition, the bill provides tax relief for middle-class families in the form of property tax relief, state and local sales tax deductions, and college tuition deductions. By extending emergency unemployment programs through November 20, 2010, the bill also prevents 1.2 million Americans from losing their benefits.

“For too long, big businesses have benefited from tax loopholes that encourage them to ship jobs overseas to avoid paying taxes. By closing these loopholes, we will keep these jobs here at home and put Nevadans back to work,” added Titus.

The legislation eliminates tax provisions that enable companies to operate offshore with essentially little or no tax liability and encourage them to ship American jobs overseas. Finally, the bill prevents a 21 percent cut in Medicare physician payments that is scheduled to occur under the Sustainable Growth Rate formula.

“By preventing drastic cuts to physician payments, the passage of today’s legislation is an important step to ensure that Nevada’s seniors continue to have access to the doctor they trust,” Titus concluded.

Titus Supports America COMPTETES Act to Increase Innovation and Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness

May 28, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District voted today in support of legislation to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and prepare Nevadans for 21st century jobs. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 262 to 150.

“For decades, Americans have been on the forefront of innovation, leading the way in the global economy,” Congresswoman Titus said. “But in order for us to keep our competitive edge and continue to be the leader in the next generation of technology and clean energy advancements, we must make investments in science and math education and cutting edge research and development. The America COMPETES Act will help create the next generation of entrepreneurs who will power our economy and create good jobs here at home.”

The America COMPETES Act invests in modernizing manufacturing, spurring American innovation through basic research and development and high risk/high reward clean energy research, and strengthening science, math, technology, and engineering (STEM) education to prepare students for the good jobs of the 21st century. Specifically, the legislation will keep our nation on a path to increase funding for basic scientific research, create jobs with innovative technology loan guarantees for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and provide grants to increase the number and quality of students receiving undergraduate degrees in STEM.

The bill includes an amendment introduced by Titus that will improve the quality of teacher preparation programs in STEM education so that teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to be effective classroom instructors.

A broad coalition of more than 750 business, research, and academic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, and American Council on Education, have endorsed the bill.