Las Vegas NowLawmakers Wonder Where the Jobs Are

Lawmakers Wonder Where the Jobs Are

The state of Nevada spent almost $169 million in federal stimulus money that has saved or created about 5,100 jobs. Some state lawmakers say that isn't good enough. They also say it's misleading because the vast majority of jobs were saved and not created.

Almost immediately, the Regional Transportation Commission was able to hire about 100 construction workers to start a new intermodal center at First Street and Garces. This is what they call a shovel ready project.

Still, Clark County received $42.5 million in stimulus dollars and has 254 new jobs to show for it. 100 of those are at that project.

“At this point, it can never be fast enough. We have suffered some huge losses in Nevada. Unemployment is quite high. In one sense, it's never going to be fast enough because we have suffered great losses,” said Las Vegas Assemblyman Marcus Conklin.

Assemblyman Conklin says even this small number of jobs has had some positive effect. He says what isn't counted are the waitresses and gas attendants who kept their job because people hired by stimulus money spent money.

Still, State Senator Bill Raggio says the numbers are deceiving and the stimulus money should be creating more jobs. He directed state staff to separate the number of new jobs so the public can truly hold lawmakers accountable in this time of rising unemployment.

Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins says more jobs are coming, especially in Clark County. He adds the problem is red tape and paperwork. “You have been watching me in my job. I get frustrated in how slow things move and try to stimulate them,” he said.

He adds that the stimulus money was needed because the state robbed Clark County of tax money.

In comparison of Clark County's 254 jobs, Washoe County received about $9 million in stimulus money and created 139 jobs.