Guinn pushes $53 million in aid for laid-off workers

For now, though, Guinn said he hopes a $57 million relief package will help thousands of jobless people pay their bills during the coming months.

"I know what it means to have a family when you're unemployed," said Guinn, the son of an Arkansas sharecropper. "I've experienced it first-hand as a child. I know what it did to my parents. I know what it did to my brothers and sisters."

Under the governor's plan, unemployment funding no longer counts against Medicaid assistance and help received through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which gives families cash.

According to the plan, people can receive between $452 and $667 more per month, depending on family size and the number of people per household receiving unemployment benefits. This includes $200 per month in health coverage.

The plan applies only to those laid off after Sept. 11.

Although the exemptions have been in place since Oct.1, Guinn said he delayed an announcement because state officials had to prepare for an increase in customers.

"I'm not trying to hide anything," Guinn said. "I'm just trying to make sure that we can service people."

Though it may take at least 25 days to process people's applications, Guinn said that residents can first sign up for food stamps, then look for help under TANF.

The governor's plan will be funded from money left over from federal programs that the state has saved during the past six years, Guinn said.

State officials expect the $57 million to last about 18 months, but the governor said he would call a special session to tap into the state's $140 million rainy day fund if necessary.

"I will do what I have to do," Guinn said, adding that he's also working with businesses to encourage them to donate to charities.

Garth Winckler, president of the United Way of Southern Nevada, said the state's extra assistance will allow his organization to focus on food drives rather than attempting to pay people's rent and utilities.

D. Taylor, staff director for the Culinary Union, agreed.

But, "obviously, the best solution is getting people back to work," he said.

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