BERKLEY VOTES TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, EXPAND HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

** Jobless Nevadans Will See 20 Weeks of Additional Aid **

(November 5, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted to extend unemployment benefits through early next year and to enhance and expand the homebuyer tax credit.  The legislation passed the House on a vote of 403 to 12.

“These payments allow Valley families to keep food on the table and to pay the rent while they continue to search for work, and this extension guarantees these vital benefits will be in place for another 20 weeks,” said Berkley.  “This is a helping hand for our friends, neighbors and loved ones who are still struggling to find work and by acting now, we will make sure they do not lose their unemployment benefits before the end of the year.”

The package approved by the House provides 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation for Nevadans at a time when the Silver State’s unemployment rate remains above 13%.

The bill also extends the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010 and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more.

“Nevada’s housing market is in a slump, but through extension of the $8,000 credit for first time buyers we can help stimulate more local home and condo sales.  We are also expanding the program to give Nevadans who have lived in their current residence for five years or more a $6,500 credit toward the purchase of a new home or condominium.  Together, these tax credits will open the door to home ownership for even more families in Las Vegas and that will boost our local economy at the same time,” said Berkley.

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