Guinn unveils new aid for jobless

Mathis Winkler

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2001 | 10:54 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn today announced a $57 million aid package for jobless Nevadans.

More than 15,000 workers in the state have lost their jobs as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Guinn, who revealed his plan at a news conference this afternoon at the United Way of Southern Nevada, said laid-off workers will receive help in the form of cash, utilities, food stamps and health care. A family of four will be able to receive an additional $430 a month.

"We in government, business and nonprofit agencies need to do everything possible to make sure families in Nevada do not go without health care or become homeless," he said.

The money for the relief fund will come from two reserve funds -- $31 million from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and $26 million from Medicaid.

Guinn said the state government had prepared for an emergency situation such as the current unemployment levels for years and reserved funds since 1996 to be able to respond.

State officials have already changed regulations to make sure that people who receive unemployment don't lose other public assistance and health care. Unemployment benefits currently are not taken into consideration when people apply for cash or medical coverage or utility assistance.