Editorial: People, government help laid-off workers

Friday, Oct. 19, 2001 | 10:04 a.m.

Las Vegas' tourism-based economy appears to be on the road to recovery, but there still are thousands of laid-off employees here who won't be called back to work any time soon. That is why it is good to see state officials, county government, businesses and local residents offer their aid to the laid-off workers in Southern Nevada.

On Tuesday Clark County government freed up $1.6 million in federal and state grants to help pay the rent of some laid-off employees. That comes on top of the $200,000 the county earlier set aside for United Way to keep the workers from being evicted, which now has been spent. Earlier this week a state task force that oversees the distribution of funds from a national tobacco settlement sent $200,000 to the United Way to cover medical expenses of children of some unemployed workers. Gov. Kenny Guinn also waived rules to make it easier to apply for welfare, government-funded health insurance and low-income energy assistance to help pay utility bills.

Government isn't the only one lending a hand; local residents and businesses have been helping Southern Nevadans as well. For instance, KLAS-TV, Channel 8 is running a fund-raising drive that so far has brought in more than $150,000 in contributions from viewers and businesses, money that will go to the displaced worker fund operated by the United Way of Southern Nevada.

The laid-off workers are facing some tough times ahead as they meet mortgage payments, put food on the table and pay their medical bills. It's promising, then, to see so many Las Vegans reaffirm the belief that charity begins at home.