(Carson City, NV) – Nevada is denouncing White House statements that the Silver State wants a waiver from the federal government’s welfare law.

Governor Brian Sandoval’s office says the Obama administration’s making a “gross mischaracterization” to advance its own agenda.  The White House claims both Sandoval and Utah’s Governor “specifically requested” waivers from the 1996 work requirement.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has been running ads, claiming the administration wants to end a requirement that welfare recipients seek jobs.  Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says states that ask for a waiver need a plan to move more people from welfare to work.