Unemployed construction workers testify in Carson City, demand jobs

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 | 2:05 a.m.

CARSON CITY — Unemployed construction workers told a Senate committee on Wednesday they have had to donate blood and take low-paying temporary jobs to survive in this stagnant economy.

The loudest cheer in the committee hearing came during a call to hire Nevada workers on Nevada jobs.

Charlie Becerra, an unemployed carpenter, told senators they need to do something to get construction going again. “If you don’t do something, the next time you meet in this chamber, you may be sitting next to me,” he said.

“We have hit bottom. We need somebody to pull us out,” he said.

It was Building Jobs Coalition Day at the Nevada Legislature, and scores of workers appeared in Carson City to tell the Select Committee on Economic Growth and Employment the problems they face.

The coalition is backing special bonds for construction projects, a streamlining of the permitting process and indexing the gas tax that would mean an increase in prices in some counties.

Chris Streitler, a floor installer from Reno, said it’s been three years since he has had a job in his profession. He has exhausted his unemployment benefits. “We’re here to work. We’re not looking for a handout,” he said.

The committee received testimony that many workers have left the state because they can’t find a job and have used up their unemployment benefits.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, said the first month of the Legislature will focus on job creation. He said he has a plan but has not revealed details.

Gov. Brian Sandoval says his Silver State Works program will invest $10 million over the next two years to put 10,000 jobless Nevadans back to work.