In Reno, Cortez Masto discusses two pieces of legislation addressing human trafficking at airports and the shortage of ELL teachers

Friday morning, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto was joined by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Police Chief, airport management and local advocates from the Children's Cabinet, to discuss the airport's work to help victims of trafficking.

Passed in May, the Federal Aviation Administration's 2024 reauthorization supports Nevada's aviation infrastructure and strengthens safety standards.

The Cortez Masto Transportation Human Trafficking Reduction Act was included in the bill to provide grants to combat human trafficking at airports.

“We were able to work with John Cornyn to introduce legislation into this authorization that really focuses grants and dollars on our airports, on our transportation hubs so that they can invest in this educational outreach material to work with our victims.” , said Cortez Masto. .

Nevada airports have already taken steps to help trafficking victims, including installing a human trafficking hotline number on the restroom door.

Later Friday, Cortez Masto met with teachers and students to discuss his legislative efforts to address the shortage of English learner (ELL) teachers in Nevada and across the country.

She highlighted bipartisan legislation she advocates to fund professional training programs to better prepare the next generation of EL educators.

The Reaching English Learners Act would create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between higher education institutions and school districts.

“To ensure that we have the teachers we need who are English learners and EL certified to come into schools and teach our students to be proficient in English,” Cortez Masto said.

Mt. Rose K-8 is one of two dual immersion schools in the area, said Principal Krissy Brown.

“We think being bilingual is a 21st century move and it just gives them more opportunities in the world and in society,” Brown said.