Congressman Steven Horsford Demands Assistance for Nevada from Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin | Congressman Steven Horsford
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Congressman Steven Horsford Demands Assistance for Nevada from Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin

April 29, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) joined his colleagues in the House Ways and Means Committee for a conversation with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the Coronavirus Aid, Response and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and the emergency supplemental funding that the Congressman voted to approve last week.

"Nevada is one of the hardest hit states in the country, and more than 350,000 Nevadans have already filed for unemployment insurance benefits since mid-March. Families, workers, and small businesses are particularly impacted by this pandemic. Today, I had the opportunity to advocate for our state directly to the Trump administration's Treasury Secretary and make sure that the needs of Nevadans are met in any future disbursement of funding," Congressman Horsford said. "I hope that the Secretary will take my concerns to heart and that he will work with me to ensure that we are providing stability and support to my state, because our recovery will be amongst the most challenging in our nation."

Additionally, the Congressman challenged the Secretary on his comments that the administration will not provide further assistance to states that they deem have been "mismanaged," highlighting that particularly hard hit state and local governments with sound financial management practices may now be facing unprecedented revenue shortfalls as a result of the economic shutdown.

"States like Nevada, that have been the hardest hit and will now face a difficult path to recovery, should not be penalized by the Trump administration for helping to keep their families and small businesses afloat in the face of a global pandemic, the likes of which we've never previously encountered," Congressman Horsford said. "It is completely unacceptable for Secretary Mnuchin to say that his Department, and the Trump administration, will withhold further aid from the states and local governments that need it most in the aftermath of this unprecedented public health emergency."

The Congressman also addressed the discriminatory guidance put forth by the Treasury Department that initially blocked small businesses with gaming revenue from accessing loans within the Paycheck Protection Program. After weeks of negotiations and conversations with the administration, the Nevada delegation was alerted that the ban on small gaming businesses had been lifted.

"I support the recent rule change granting small businesses that earn revenue from gaming to be able to access the assistance and funds they need from the Paycheck Protection Program. This is crucial for Nevada and several states throughout the country – I am glad that my efforts to fight for small business gaming operators were heard and taken into account." Congressman Horsford said.

Issues:Economy