Government and Politics
September 6, 2022
From: Nevada Governor Joe LombardoEvery day, we are working to build a brighter future for Nevadans. on Sep 2nd, I launched a website highlighting infrastructure investments coming to Nevada through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NevadaBuilds.com. Our new website will not only highlight the projects improving our infrastructure, resiliency and resources available to Nevadans, but it also highlights the jobs being created thanks to these investments.
This week, I celebrated the grand opening of Legends Bay Casino in Sparks, the first ground-up casino in the area in more than two decades. Nevada does it like no one else – with first-class service and hospitality and innovative and unique experiences. Our iconic casino and gaming industry isn’t just on the Las Vegas Strip -- This is a great moment for people across the country to see what Northern Nevada has to offer, entice more tourists into the Silver State and offer lucrative jobs for our residents.
I also got to tour Western Nevada College in Carson City to see programs funded by the State in action as the fall semester gets underway. Through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, Western Nevada College has received nearly a million dollars to support programs focused on hands-on training and workforce development so graduates can kickstart their careers with experience and expertise.
On Monday, I wrapped up my Nevada Climate Series 2022 by proclaiming August 29, 2022 as Environmental Justice Day, a first in Nevada. Learn more about work we’re doing to address climate inequity and resources available for Nevadans here.
Thank you,
Governor Sisolak
Answering Nevada's Questions
Labor Day Weekend is a time to relax and spend time with your loved ones. It will be hot across Nevada this weekend, which can be dangerous and even deadly.
Q: How can I conserve energy in my home?
A: NV Energy customers can help reduce stress on the grid during the heat wave by reducing their energy use, especially during the hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Effective measures to conserve energy include:
Learn more here.
Q: How can I stay safe as I recreate outdoors this weekend?
A: It’s still possible to enjoy outside activities and sports in Nevada, especially when heat safety precautions are taken seriously. My Office has developed a central resource here for Nevadans who are facing extreme heat.
Nevada Health Link has these 4 tips to help you safely take your celebrations and workouts outside this weekend.
Find affordable health insurance: Nevada Health Link offers up to 126 plan options from seven name brand carriers, giving Nevadans autonomy to choose their health insurance based on their individual needs and budget.
This Week’s Nevada Small Business Spotlight: Jay’s Music Exchange
On your next visit to Ely, Nevada, don’t be surprised to see residents with guitars around their backs, melodies echoing down the canyon, and choruses that lead to Jay’s Music Exchange. The new store has officially opened in the center of Ely’s downtown. Launched as recently as this summer, the shop is now a go-to place for local musicians of all kinds.
Jason Lee, who is the owner and the “Jay” in “Jay’s Music Exchange,” has lived in the area for roughly 10 years working and helping on his father’s ranch north of McGill. He moved from San Diego where he was music directing and working in theater. This work lent to his history as a trained operatic classical singer and degree in music education.
Lee’s reason for opening his own store is right in tune with the growth that’s already been seen in Ely. He saw a need.
“I just thought it was something that needed to be here because I didn’t see it and I was looking for it for myself.,” Lee said. “I think it’s good for the community to be able to have a place to come because music is really important in bringing people together and keeping people happy.”
Perhaps the biggest key to Lee’s impact on the community isn’t just the opening of a necessary music store, but in the long-term service of also providing music lessons. With 10 years of teaching experience before moving to White Pine, Lee now teaches voice, piano, and guitar basics for $25 an hour. Despite it only being a few months since opening, Lee already has students with the hope of gaining more. It’s all done with the intent of growing a larger music community within Ely itself.
It’s a goal that has the potential of being achieved. As kids and adults alike take their lunch on Main Street, or as school ends each day, the foot traffic has no way of missing Jay’s Music Exchange. They can see inside to all the guitars, amps, and basses that line the wall. They can play any instrument they choose and start jamming immediately. Ely has become more harmonious, and it’s only set to continue being turned up.
Resources for Nevadans
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada Opens New Food Distribution Site in Golden Valley
On Monday, Aug. 29, Governor Sisolak attended the opening of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada Client Choice Food Pantry in Golden Valley. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada was the recipient of more than $98,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds made available through the Nevada Department of Agriculture to aide in improving food systems, infrastructure and overall food security in the state. Using this funding they were able to purchase refrigerators, food distribution equipment and food items to stock the new location.
This food pantry is expected to serve up to 200 households per month, offering food distribution and social services to the previously underserved area. Services can be accessed at 440 E. Golden Valley Road, Reno, NV 89506, on Mondays from 1-4 p.m.
Join Us for a State of Nevada Career Fair in Reno on Sept. 14!
The State Division of Human Resource Management will hold a state career fair at Reno Town Mall on September 14, with the first hour of the fair open exclusively for active-duty military, veterans, National Guard & Reserve, and military spouses.
Agencies from across state government will be seeking candidates for about 600 state job openings and sharing information about working for the state, including the state’s robust benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid state holidays, public employees’ retirement, and health insurance. Current or past U.S. military service members and their spouses will be offered information on additional resources available to them.
RSVP for free here. State career opportunities can be found here.
Questions? Contact Veterans Representative Jon Terrazas at [email protected].
DETR Offers Resources for College Graduates to Find Jobs in Their Field
As students across the state head back to school, did you know that DETR has resources to help show the potential jobs related to specific degree programs? Simply sign in to EmployNV.gov, click on the “Career Informer” link under Career Services, and choose the Occupations by Education Program tab. This will allow you to search for a degree and see the types of occupations associated with that degree.
Also, if you want to see how much graduates from the Nevada System of Higher Education are earning in Nevada, you can look at the Career Earnings report made available in the NPWR. Here you can review various categories of instructional programs and see the distribution of wages earned in the following one to ten years in Nevada for those graduates.
Learn Safe Driving
The DMV has driver handbooks and testing for new drivers, of course, but it also has much more in the way of resources to encourage safe driving. The RoadReady printed training manual and app, a page devoted to traffic laws and lists of driving schools are all on the DMV website at dmv.nv.gov.
The Nevada Division of Emergency Management/Homeland Security Urges Nevadans to Take a Proactive Approach in Preparedness Efforts for Disasters and Emergencies
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to remind all Nevadans how important it is for individuals, families and communities to plan ahead and be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere and it's important to take the time now to do some simple things that will help keep you safe. This year’s theme is A Lasting Legacy - the life you’ve built is worth protecting.
When evaluating and improving your family emergency plan consider:
DEM also maintains the state’s Plan Ahead Nevada Preparedness website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.
During disasters, DEM uses the website, and the social media platforms listed above to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.
Tools and Resources to Apply for a Cannabis Consumption Lounge License
The Cannabis Compliance Board has launched online resources including educational videos, worksheets, and checklists to assist applicants in applying for a cannabis consumption lounge license. Additionally, the CCB will host live webinars on Sept. 1 and Sept. 30 to answer questions about the process. Details and links to those resources can be found at ccb.nv.gov.
The CCB plans to open the application period for consumption lounges in the fall.
Questions? Email [email protected]
CALL FOR PROPOSALS! Artists Invited to Submit a Proposal to Paint the Official Portrait of Governor Sisolak
The State of Nevada invites professional artists with previous experience in commissioned portraiture work to submit a proposal to paint the official portrait of Governor Steven Sisolak. The portrait will hang in the Nevada State Capitol. ?This opportunity is open to all professional portrait artists living in the United States with demonstrated experience in commissioned portraiture work. The maximum compensation for the preparation of the portrait, which must include all supplies, framing, hanging hardware, shipping, and travel expenses is $30,000.
A review panel will adjudicate eligible applications using the following criteria: Artistic quality and demonstration of the ability to paint in the same manner, style, and size as the portraits of former Governors as displayed in the Capitol Building and evidence of previous successful completion of similar projects.
Please submit your application by September 19, 2022, 12 pm PT?. For more information and to apply please click here.
Nevada Resilience Project Offers Mental Health Support
Did you know that the #NevadaResilienceProject provides support in both English and Spanish? Send us a message at www.NevadaResilienceProject.com to connect with an ambassador for accessible bilingual resources, mental health support and more. #NevadaResilienceProject
Nevadans Reminded of COVID-19 Resources
The Nevada Health Response wants to remind Nevadans to take steps to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and prevent spread. COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are available in locations statewide and can protect against serious infection. Pre-exposure medication or oral antivirals and monoclonal antibody treatments are available to those that are eligible soon after infection occurs.
Resources available to help Nevadans mitigate the risk of COVID-19:
Getting to Know Your State Government
The team at The Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) has an enviable job: to pique travelers’ curiosity about the Silver State, inspiring them to learn more and ultimately plan a Nevada vacation. They’re charged with telling stories about the refreshingly unexpected experiences visitors and residents will find just beyond the neon. And their work ultimately contributes to a healthier Nevada, as statewide tourism fuels economic growth and creates a more vibrant destination.
We live in our much-loved Nevada towns for good reasons. But when’s the last time you left your hometown and hit the highway on a little only-in-Nevada adventure? One where memories include gazing up at some of the brightest stars in the darkest skies. Exploring ghost towns teeming with Silver State stories. Clinking a Basque Picon Punch over tasty grub and tall tales. Seeking solitude and solace miles from the crowds. If you’re ready to get on the road and truly Discover Your Nevada, your mind’s in the right state.