Cortez Masto, Local Nonprofits Address Federal Funding Uncertainty and the Impact on Critical Services

Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and United Way of Southern Nevada hosted a roundtable to discuss the impact of ongoing federal funding uncertainties on critical services in Nevada. Cortez Masto spoke with eight local non-profits about how challenges related to federal support could affect their ability to provide essential services that communities across the Silver State depend on.

“Today, I heard from non-profit leaders that do so much good in their communities. They make housing more affordable, invest in education, provide needed legal services, and ensure Nevada families can put food on their tables, ” said Senator Cortez Masto. “President Trump and his administration need to know that they are putting these essential services at risk by cutting federal funding and spreading uncertainty around ongoing support for such critical work.”

“United Way of Southern Nevada is committed to strengthening our community by ensuring vital services remain accessible to those who need them most,” said Samuel Rudd, President & CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “Collaboration between local nonprofits and government leaders is essential in navigating funding challenges and finding solutions that support families, students, and individuals across our state.”

“Senior Law Program is proud to provide critical legal services to Southern Nevada’s seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to live with dignity and security. However, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, we face difficult choices that could impact our ability to serve vulnerable seniors in our community. We are grateful to Senator Cortez Masto in addressing these challenges and advocating for the resources nonprofits need to continue our vital work,” said Diane Fearon, Executive Director of Southern Nevada Senior Law Program. 

 “With the corporate consolidation of commercial media, public broadcasters like Vegas PBS are the final outposts that still focus on serving their local communities. The Vegas PBS Learning Neighborhood workshops and robust communications network for emergency services are just two of the vital services we provide via federal infrastructure and education funding we receive via The Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” said Kipp Ortenburger, Director of Strategic Organization at Vegas PBS.  “Programs like these impact more than 1 million Nevadans, urban and rural.”

 “At The Just One Project, we do more than just feed our neighbors—we offer wraparound support through groceries, meal delivery, case management, benefits assistance, and essential social services to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Kirsten Carl, Director of Social Services for The Just One Project. “Our commitment to serving our community is steadfast. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring Nevadans continue to have access to critical food and social services. We are actively working with our community partners and local leaders to navigate challenges and strengthen our support for those who rely on us.”

Cortez Masto was joined by representatives from United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, HELP of Southern Nevada, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, The Just One Project, Nevada Homeless Alliance, Vegas PBS, and the Senior Law Program.

Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Servicethe National Nuclear Security Administrationthe Department of Veterans AffairsDepartment of Agriculture, and General Services Administration.

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