Budget panel releases $6 million for worker training

By Cy Ryan (contact)

Friday, April 3, 2009 | 10:07 a.m.

CARSON CITY – A legislative budget committee has released $6 million in federal stimulus funds to train dislocated workers and provide summer jobs for students.

In approving the funds, the Legislative Interim Finance Committee made it clear it doesn’t want to see a lot of the money consumed by administrative costs.

Seventy percent of the money will go to the Southern Nevada Workforce Investment Board in Las Vegas and 30 percent to Nevadaworks in Reno. It is the first segment of a $21 million grant to the state and the $6 million will be spent between now and June 30, the end of this fiscal year.

Assemblywoman Bernice Mathews, D-Reno, said up to 10 percent can be spent on administration. Assemblyman Joseph Hogan, D-Las Vegas, said these agencies are already funded and they should take as little as possible for administration.

Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, said he doesn’t want to see the money “siphoned” off to administrative expenses. He suggested that only 5 percent in administrative funds be sent to these nonprofit agencies.

Cindy Jones, administrator of the state Division of Employment Security, said she expected 4,500 youngsters will be involved in the summer jobs program.

Marty Ramirez, a consultant to the division, said the training will be in construction, health care and transportation and emerging “green” industries.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said “Too often these funds don’t serve the purpose.” He sought assurances that these programs would be monitored to make sure they are working.