By Senator Harry Reid
Special to The Answer

The past year has been a difficult one for Nevadans. Our state’s unemployment rate has risen and many Nevadans have lost their homes and their health insurance as a result. The unprecedented struggles of Nevadans have been met with unprecedented action in the Senate and an outpouring of generosity from the community. The assistance programs we passed in the economic recovery package were matched by food programs, clothing drives and neighborhood charity.
 
The Recovery Act has saved or created more than 6,000 jobs across Nevada’s industries.  Funding has created construction jobs improving our roads and weatherizing Nevada homes, schools, and public buildings. Furthermore, the Recovery Act has been an investment for the future so that when tourists can’t come to our state there are other industries, like clean energy, that support our economy.
 
It will take time to create the jobs needed to reduce our unemployment rate. That’s why I pushed so hard to extend unemployment benefits for families still looking for work. There was persistent opposition to renewing these benefits. I cannot understand why any elected representative would prolong the suffering of unemployed workers and their families. It was community organizations and churches that filled the gap, extending a helping hand to those searching for work. I am glad to say that I was successful in securing this extension, giving job seekers more time to find work while receiving their benefits. 
 
We are also taking on the immense challenge of reforming our health insurance system. Nevadans know that protecting families’ ability to afford medical care in the future is the right thing to do, for us, our parents, and our children. We are closer than we have ever been to holding insurance companies accountable, reducing costs for families and making health coverage available to everyone. Everyone knows the moral imperative we have to care for the sick and those in need. The Senate intends to do the right thing and pass insurance reform.
 
As the year comes to a close I am grateful for the decisive action of the Senate to help Nevada families. Too often the holiday season reveals to us the places in our community lacking in resources and security. But the communities of Las Vegas have always been incredibly generous at this time. I thank you for your generosity especially after this year of economic difficulty for our state.  I look forward to a new year with continued recovery and the promise of a health care system that serves everyone.