Unemployed workers, families hold caravan down Las Vegas Strip to demand economic relief

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — During the National Day of Action on Thursday, Aug. 6, unemployed immigrant workers and their families gathered for a car caravan and rally down the Las Vegas Strip to demand economic relief in the era of COVID-19.

The 16 rallies nationwide, according to organizers, was in response to the inability of President Trump and Senate leader Mitch McConnell to get pandemic relief to families in the community.

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“While Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have tirelessly advocated for Nevadas, Senator Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump want to stop the payments and leave workers and families behind. Here in Las Vegas, many of the jobs people lost don’t exist right now, and may never again. Those that could go back to work are forced to choose between the health and safety of themselves or their families or putting food on the table,” said Jenny Ordaz, MRNV Outreach Specialist.

Those that gathered Thursday in Las Vegas are a part of Make the Road Nevada and demanded that the federal government extend the $600 per week unemployment benefits as well as make available grants for small businesses.

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Talks in Congress over a second COVID-19 aid package have stalled as Democrats and Republicans continue to spar over the $600 boost to unemployment benefits, among other things.