Senate Approves Legislation to Accept Unemployment Funds

The Senate passed AB 469 today, a bill that paves the way for Nevada to receive $286 million in unemployment funds from the federal recovery package.

The bill will provide benefits for thousands more unemployed Nevada workers and extend benefits for a longer time.

AB 469 now goes to the Governor.

With one in 10 Nevadans unemployed, legislative leaders acted quickly to accept the federal funds and help Nevada workers.

Legislators introduced the bill because the Governor was hesitant about accepting the funds.

"We've seen unemployment double in the past year, and many workers have been looking for a job for so long that they faced running out of benefits and losing their ability to pay for their home, their food and other basics," said Speaker Barbara Buckley.

"Many Nevadans are trying to stay afloat in the worst financial crisis they have ever endured, and legislators acted quickly to provide solutions," said Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford. "This money will serve as a bridge as we work to get Nevadans back to work."