Legislative Effort Led by Senator Joyce Woodhouse
has the potential to bring significant resources to Nevada's schools
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(Las Vegas)
-- Today, crucial legislation enabling Nevada to compete for up to $175
million in Federal "Race to the Top" Education Funds was signed into
law. The legislative effort, led by
Senator Joyce Woodhouse, removes language that would have prevented Nevada from
applying for the competition. As chair
of the Legislative Committee on Education, Woodhouse led the bi-partisan effort
to remove the language.
"In these difficult economic times, I am sure
we are all aware of the importance of the funds and the urgency with which we
must approach this competition," said Senator Joyce Woodhouse. "It is our moral responsibility to do
what is best for Nevada's school children.
Nevada could use this money for new and innovative programs, new books,
and new supplies to make our children's' learning experience better. We could not let this opportunity slip
through our fingers. This is about
protecting the future of our state - our children."
The "Race to the Top" competition is a part of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The competition is meant to spur innovation
in the states to raise student achievement.
Through this program, Nevada could compete for up to $175 million in
federal grant funds. Approximately two
dozen states are expected to apply for the grants, with the U.S. Department of
Education deciding which states will receive the money.
Requires the Office of the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services to study issues relating to Medicaid
Senate Bill 307
Sponsored by: Senator Valerie Wiener BILL STATUS: Approved by the Governor. Chapter 88. Effective May 18, 2009 for the purposes of accepting money pursuant to subsection 2 of section 1 and on July 1, 2009 for all other purposes.
Nevada Medicaid provides insurance for the most vulnerable of Nevada’s citizens. Senator Wiener decided it was about time a study was conducted to look at the state’s Medicaid funds to determine the long-term financial sustainability of the program. That is why she introduced Senate Bill 307, which, if it passes, would launch an intensive study of Nevada’s Medicaid system. The study will determine how Nevada can sustain the Medicaid program both in healthy and challenging times. It will also look at the rates that Medicaid charges in Nevada versus other states.
To learn more about SB 307, or to track the legislation's progress, click here
(Las Vegas)
-- Today, crucial legislation enabling Nevada to compete for up to $175
million in Federal "Race to the Top" Education Funds was signed into
law. The legislative effort, led by
Senator Joyce Woodhouse, removes language that would have prevented Nevada from
applying for the competition. As chair
of the Legislative Committee on Education, Woodhouse led the bi-partisan effort
to remove the language. 
