Vegas Chamber seeks fed aid for worker retraining

WASHINGTON — Despite a legislative logjam, the Nevada congressional delegation and Las Vegas business leaders said Thursday they are seeking federal help for retraining and workforce development following the crippling pandemic that has crushed the state’s economy.

Southern Nevada saw an initial unemployment rate of 30 percent in the wake of the pandemic, which has since fallen to 13.2 percent in August, according to the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Business leaders from Las Vegas held their annual meeting with federal officials and lawmakers this week, seeking more aid for small shops and enterprises, as well as workforce development and retraining programs to help businesses stay afloat and help those out of work find new employment.

Mary Beth Sewald, president and CEO of the Vegas Chamber, said she talked with every member of the Nevada congressional delegation this week and all of them were “very positive about potential legislation to help with worker retraining.”

Congress is in a stalemate over another coronavirus relief package that could provide more federal financial aid.

On Friday, the chamber and Gov. Steve Sisolak will participate in the opening of Employ NV Business Hub, a “one-stop shop” to match employers and employees and provide resources to hire and retrain workers and to grow businesses.

Meanwhile, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-nev., will participate in a virtual business roundtable with Small Businesses for America officials from Southern Nevada.