By, for and about the high school students of Clark County
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| Each month, guest columnists U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and U.S. Sen. John Ensign answer questions on topics that matter to young Nevadans. Send your questions on government and politics to senators@classmag.com | |
| TOPIC: Supporting Teenagers | |
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| Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) grew up in the small, desert town of Searchlight, Nev. and graduated from Basic High School. At Basic, he joined the school’s boxing team and discovered an interest in politics that has led to his poisition as one of the most important lawmakers in America. For more info, visit reid.senate.gov. | Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) was raised in northern Nevada and moved to southern Nevada to graduate from Clark High School. In addition to bringing millions of extra dollars to Nevada schools through his Education High Growth Grant amendment, he has also worked as a veterinarian. For more info, visit ensign.senate.gov. |
| What are you working on that will help teens? | |
| Reid: We know the current economic situation makes it difficult for teenagers to find a job or a loan for a college education. We are working to fix the economy by addressing the causes of this recession and to make credit available again, so banks will loan money to students like you. In an improved economy, businesses would also be able to hire more people. The economic recovery bill directly funds summer job opportunities for teens as well.
We also passed the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as Nevada Check- Up in our state to make sure youth up to age 18 can see a doctor when they need. Additionally, we provided $400 million for Nevada schools and another $5 million to update technology in classrooms. |
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| Ensign: One of my primary concerns, as a father and as a senator, has always been our children’s future. Nothing is more important than ensuring that they inherit a country that is not burdened by debt. Under President Obama’s budget, children born this year will already have $26,000 of debt in their names. Ten years from now, every American baby will enter this world more than $50,000 in debt -- enough to pay for a college education. The president’s budget will prevent our children and grandchildren from enjoying the America that so many have fought to preserve and protect. In order to protect our youth, I am fighting to halt this massive spending. | |
| Is there any aid being dedicated to organizations that benefit the youth? | |
| Reid: The economic recovery act provides hundreds of millions to prevent funding cuts to your classrooms, to make college more affordable and to invest in early childhood education for your families. Grant money is available so programs that serve young people can do good work. Some organizations in Nevada already received funding and are using it to serve those in need. You can learn more online at recovery.gov. | |
| Ensign: In March, I voted for a measure that urged Congress to include the full tax deduction for charitable giving. President Obama’s budget weakens a tax incentive designed to encourage donations to charities. This move could directly affect the aid that is being dedicated to organizations that benefit youth. Young Nevadans should consider this an opportunity to take action by voicing their concerns to lawmakers. Let them know that charitable organizations provide a range of services and programs that improve the lives and wellbeing of young people. We can’t let these organizations suffer because Washington needs more tax money. Let’s make sure the full tax incentive remains in place. | |
| Will students seeking financial aid for college see less government grants as a result of the recession? | |
| Reid: Last year we passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act to make college more affordable. The newly enacted economic recovery package also included an increase in the Pell Grant and expanded the higher education tax credit.
We recently passed the Serve America Act to expand national service programs. One provision will increase the education award available to AmeriCorps participants and link it to future increases. |
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| Ensign: The consequences of the country’s recession will be far reaching, yet we must work to ensure that loan and grant programs continue to be available to students. While the U.S. economy is hurting, millions of the country’s youth will seek higher education this year and rely on aid to finance their educations. It’s crucial that Congress does what it can to thaw the frozen credit markets, making college loans available and affordable. | |
| Is there any legislation that helps homeless youth with health care? | |
| Reid: Nevada’s homeless children are at risk of serious health, educational and social problems. The economic recovery bill includes more than $1 billion nationally toward homelessness prevention, education and social services. I’ve also been working to help struggling families in Nevada from losing their homes.
We enacted the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act that funds centers to help runaway and homeless youth. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act will help many vulnerable young people who would have nowhere to go when they reach college age. We want to ensure that every young person has the resources and support needed to succeed in life. |
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| Ensign: I supported a plan at the beginning of this year to fully fund the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) but to refocus it back to its original mission: providing coverage for low-income children. SCHIP was originally designed to cover children who are part of low-income families. These families require assistance because they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but may not be able to afford private health coverage on their own. I have fought to make sure that the neediest receive care before Democrats expand SCHIP beyond its means and include families with much higher incomes. | |
| College Education | |
| Education and Personal Experiences | |
| BAILOUT | |
| Supporting Teenagers | |