Titus names stimulus czar

Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., has joined a small but growing number of federal lawmakers who are designating a single go-to person on their staffs to handle anything having to do with the new economic stimulus law.

Chief caseworker Susan Petersen has a new title as "recovery coordinator" for Titus, working out of her district office on Eastern Avenue. Titus represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Petersen is the main point of contact for constitiuents and local government officials who have questions about tax breaks, grants and other benefits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Petersen has experience as a caseworker and liaison to Las Vegas organizations, having worked previously for former Rep. Jim Bilbray and also former Gov. Bob Miller.

The idea of having an on-staff stimulus czar has caught on among House freshmen. Titus picked up the idea at group brain storming sessions, aides said.

Petersen can be reached at 702-387-4941.