The G3Wire

June 14, 2024

The Primary Election results will be official tomorrow, live election links are listed below in the Election Section!  Energy seems to be a hot topic this week.  A portion of the massive Greenlink Nevada transmission project took a regulatory step forward this week as federal regulators have completed an environmental impact analysis. Nevada State Contractors board created an investigatory board after legislation was passed in 2023 creating more consumer protections in the rooftop solar industry. The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in nearly two thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. Check out the economy of the state with an update from the Economic Forum. The Fiscal Analysis Division reported that General Fund revenues in FY 2024 are exceeding the Economic Forum’s May 1, 2023, forecast by approximately $199.8 million (4.8% above the forecast).  And Governor Lombardo has some exciting announcements below! 

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Announces Appointment of Tina Talim to the Eighth Judicial District Court

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced Tina Talim as his selection to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department XIV. Judge Talim will begin her term on June 20, 2024. (gov.nv.gov)

National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils Announces Three Nevada Schools Won New Fitness Centers

Today, Governor Joe Lombardo and fitness icon Jake (Body by Jake) Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), announced the three Nevada schools that were selected to each receive a state-of-the-art $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center. (gov.nv.gov)

State and Local Government Updates

Nevada agency creates board dedicated to investigating solar panel scams

The new investigatory board comes after legislation was passed in 2023 creating more consumer protections in the rooftop solar industry. (The Nevada Independent)

Western governors give bipartisanship a try. At least for a few days.

As the Western Governors’ Association marked its 40th anniversary this week in Olympic Valley, California, the organization did its best to maintain a tradition that has long been its hallmark: the increasingly lost art of governing across party lines. (Las Vegas Sun)

California school district leader chosen as next Douglas County schools superintendent

After the district’s former superintendent left following differences with the board, trustees say a fresh face is needed. (The Nevada Independent)

Governor sees wins in primary contests

Gov. Joe Lombardo’s bid to block a Democratic supermajority in the state Legislature looks set to pass its first test. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LVCVA signs off on land deal

Two groups splitting part of ex-Riviera site. New development could be coming to the Strip as a plan to sell publicly owned land along the north end was approved Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Discipline panel censures judge

According to court documents filed Tuesday, District Judge Erika Ballou consented to the public censure, waiving her right to contest allegations over two social media posts from 2021 and 2022, and agreeing to complete an online course with the Nevada Judicial College. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada getting $6 million in Johnson &Johnson settlement

Attorney General Aaron Ford announced Wednesday that Nevada will be receiving upwards of $6 million in a settlement against Johnson & Johnson relating to allegations of “deceptive trade practices.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Lawmakers award SafeNest $9M to centralize services for domestic violence victims

State lawmakers on Thursday awarded $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the nonprofit SafeNest to build out a Las Vegas campus that centralizes and expands services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and trafficking. SafeNest will ask the Nevada State Infrastructure Bank for a $10 million loan for the project, which the nonprofit estimates will cost $20 million in total. (Nevada Current)

State abortion bans forcing interstate travel, U.S. Senate panel hears

WASHINGTON — When Lauren Miller flew from her home state of Texas to Colorado two years ago, she felt a moment of relief when the plane took off — not because she had been delayed for hours or because she needed a vacation, but because she was about to meet with doctors who would be able to treat her complicated pregnancy with twins. (Nevada Current)

Federal Updates

D.C. Download: Amodei leads markup of border funding bill in test of 2024 politics

Amodei, as readers will recall, got a promotion on the congressional Appropriations Committee this year, moving up from chairing the legislative branch subcommittee to homeland security — a thankless role if there ever was one. (The Nevada Independent)

Tribes, conservationists, residents pan draft environmental review of lithium mine

Federal land managers will now start the arduous task of sifting through thousands of public comments for a contentious lithium mine that could degrade about 22% of critical habitat reserved for an endangered Nevada wildflower. (Nevada Current)

Easing federal marijuana rules: There’s still a long way to go

Nearly three weeks after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration proposed loosening a federal prohibition on marijuana, the next phases of policy fights over the drug’s status are starting to take shape. Public comments, which the DEA is accepting on the proposal until mid-July. (Nevada Current)

Trump’s promise to end taxes on tips draws skepticism

WASHINGTON — Economists across the ideological spectrum raised doubts about the cost and workability of former President Donald Trump’s proposal over the weekend to exempt tips from federal taxes if he wins in November. (Nevada Current)

Biden receives gun-control cheers

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden rattled off a list of gun-related accomplishments during his administration, prompting huge cheers from hundreds in the audience Tuesday at a Washington conference hosted by the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

House Democrat plotting fight against Project 2025

Warning about the Project 2025 agenda for a Donald Trump White House, a group of House Democrats has launched a task force to start fighting the proposal and stop it from taking hold if the Republican former president returns to power. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

CDC director praises the ‘great work’ done by Southern Nevada Health District

Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toured the federally funded Trac-B Exchange this week to discuss with members of the Southern Nevada Health District harm reduction and strategies to address the region’s growing overdose rate. (Las Vegas Sun)

Judge blocks Biden’s Title IX rule in four states, dealing a blow to protections for LGBTQ+ students

The Biden administration’s new Title IX rule expanding protections for LGBTQ+ students has been temporarily blocked in four states after a federal judge in Louisiana found that it overstepped the Education Department’s authority. (Las Vegas Sun)

Fed says only one rate cut this year

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve officials said Wednesday that inflation has fallen further toward their target level in recent months but signaled that they expect to cut their benchmark interest rate just once this year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Use of abortion drug upheld

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in nearly two thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Articles of Interest

Weak demand, more supply easing pain at Nevada’s gas pump

Average gas prices have fallen 14.4 cents a gallon in the past week to an average of $4.05 a gallon, according to Gas Buddy’s survey of more than 1,100 stations in Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Gambling has long been taboo in Islamic countries. Now, analysts see UAE as the next Vegas

Gambling is illegal in the Islamic world, but the UAE is ready to change its laws and allow three casino resorts operated by Las Vegas companies. (The Nevada Independent)

How soon could Las Vegas Valley run out of land for new homes? 

Las Vegas homebuilding industry leaders are backing an effort to make more land available to improve the balance between housing supply and demand. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

$4.24B NV Energy transmission project takes step forward

A portion of the massive Greenlink Nevada transmission project took a regulatory step forward this week as federal regulators have completed an environmental impact analysis. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Casino GM leaves post

The top executive at a Las Vegas casino for almost 5 years is out of his job. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

New sale agreement at Riviera site approved

New development could be coming to the Las Vegas Strip as a plan to sell publicly owned land along the north end was approved Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Company wants to make Nevada a player in the green energy market powering electric vehicles

Graphjet Technology, a Malaysia-based company that recycles palm kernel shells to produce graphite and graphene, will construct a unique commercial and artificial graphite-production facility in Nevada. (Las Vegas Sun)

Popular Lake Tahoe beach will soon require reservations

Starting Aug. 17 through Oct. 13, visitors will be required to have a reservation to enter Sand Harbor State Park on weekends and holidays. (Las Vegas Sun)

Mosquitoes with West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis viruses detected in Southern Nevada

The Southern Nevada Health District announced today that more mosquitoes with the West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses have been found in Southern Nevada. (Las Vegas Sun)

Indy Gaming: Women, minorities finding more success gambling on casinos

Diversity in the gaming industry has taken large steps in regional and Indian casino markets. The major casino operators are also making strides to be inclusive from the board room to executive offices and the gaming floor. (The Nevada Independent)

Tahoe’s Sand Harbor State Park to require day-use reservations

Starting in mid-August, day-use reservations will be required on weekends and holidays at Lake Tahoe’s popular Sand Harbor State Park. (The Nevada Independent)

A’s agreement has single-site postseason option

Language in the Oakland Athletics’ Las Vegas draft non-relocation agreement includes safeguards in the event Major League Baseball chooses to alter its playoff format. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Valley remains seller’s market

The Las Vegas area is in a seller’s market as demand for houses continues to outstrip supply, but the latest peak appears to be over, according to new data from Zillow. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting              October 19                  Days Until: 127

General Election                     November 5                Days Until: 144

2024 Unofficial Statewide Primary Election Results(nvsos.gov)

2024 Nevada Primary Election Results

See who is winning in the June 11, 2024, local elections in Nevada with real-time results. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Live Blog: Nevada 2024 primary results

Republicans got the candidate they wanted to take on Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV). (The Nevada Independent)

Preference for mail ballots high, Nevada early voter turnout data show

Voter turnout for Nevada’s June primary election is currently low overall, but the people who are casting ballots are overwhelmingly doing so via mail. Total turnout for the primary election sat at 234,378 — 11.7% of eligible registered voters — as of noon Saturday, according to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office. (Nevada Current)

Will Reno elect its first Black city council member in 30 years?

Housing and environmental issues are not the only historical parallels to 1991. It will also be the first time a Black woman has appeared on the ballot as a Reno City Council candidate in more than 30 years. (The Nevada Independent)

Trump endorses Sam Brown in Nevada Senate primary

Trump had previously endorsed in every other competitive U.S. Senate race but had kept relatively mum on Nevada, where the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) had endorsed Brown. (The Nevada Independent)

Trump stays out of Senate primary in Vegas rally; pans Biden border policy as ‘bullshit’

At a hot rally that prompted six hospitalizations, Trump declined to endorse a Senate (but later endorsed veteran Sam Brown), and expressed support for stopping taxing tips as income. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada GOP’s bylaws bar support for convicted felons. It made an exception for Trump.

Chairman Michael McDonald said the board met to waive the bylaws, but the vote is still subject to ratification. (The Nevada Independent)

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are nearly tied nationally and in battleground states, new poll says

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are neck-and-neck among voters nationwide and in pivotal swing states less than two weeks after Trump’s guilty verdict in his New York hush money case. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Why was Trump talking about sharks at a campaign event?

Trouble with his teleprompter forced former President Donald Trump to go off script on Sunday, leading to a rant about his active dislike for sharks during a campaign event in sweltering heat that sent six to the hospital in Nevada. (Reno Gazette Journal)

‘If we win Nevada, we win the whole thing’: Trump speaks at Las Vegas rally

Former President Donald Trump encouraged supporters to vote in the primary and to vote for him in November, outlining his priorities if re-elected and warning of what another Biden term would mean. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Republican challengers, legislative showdowns: What to watch as Nevadans head to the polls

The Nevada Independent explains the trends and races that we’re watching in the primary and what the results could portend for the general election. (The Nevada Independent)

Legislative elections: Lombardo’s picks win; Culinary, Dem establishment have mixed night

Culinary loses a gutsy gamble to oust a well-liked incumbent who failed to back daily hotel room cleaning mandates in state law. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada 2024 primary election live updates: Brown, Amodei, Horsford win key primaries

Washoe County voters went to the polls Tuesday in a primary election that will decide often-heated races for U.S. Senate, school board, city councils and more. About 51,000 people cast ballots during two weeks of early voting. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Sam Brown cites family, hope and American dream in thanking supporters after primary win

His race for U.S. Senate in the Republican primary had just been called – he was the overwhelming winner, even though only early votes were counted. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno’s 3 city council members hold strong leads; Brandi Anderson ahead in new Ward 6

The three Reno City Council members up for election this year all appear headed to decisive wins that would send them to face potentially tough opponents in November. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Brown wins primary to face Rosen; Lombardo-backed composer loses race to challenge Lee

Veteran Sam Brown cruised to victory in the race to challenge Sen. Jacky Rosen. A former North Las Vegas mayor endorsed by Trump also prevailed, while a wealth video game composer came in fourth. (The Nevada Independent)

Several winners declared in ‘surprisingly efficient’ Nevada primary election

Nevada’s primary Tuesday saw lower voter turnout than previous primaries, but results were called relatively quickly — a sign the battleground state known for slow production of results could be turning a new leaf. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Preliminary results show CCSD trustee races close

Races for Clark County School Board will likely advance to the general election, preliminary election results show. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Attorney, assemblywoman lead in Commission District C primaries

Preliminary primary election results showed Republican candidate April Becker and Democrat Shannon Bilbray-Alexrod ahead in their primary seat for Commission C seat in November. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Rebecca Wolfson leading race for Las Vegas Municipal Court position

Deputy City Attorney Rebecca Wolfson was leading two other attorneys and, in a position, to possibly win the race outright to serve as a judge on the Las Vegas Municipal Court, according to early voting results.(Las Vegas Review Journal)

Aguilar: Nevada’s elections safe, secure

Aguilar has established a reputation as an advocate for poll workers in a time when threats and harassment of election officials have skyrocketed. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

2 to vie in November to become Las Vegas mayor and succeed Goodman duo dating to 1999

A former Nevada congresswoman and a current Las Vegas City Council member have emerged from a primary field of 14 candidates to become the first mayor not named Goodman in 25 years in Nevada’s largest city. (Las Vegas Sun)

Incumbent fends off far-right challenge in local Nevada race with potential elections implications

A Republican incumbent on a commission that oversees elections in a major swing county in Nevada has fended off a far-right challenge and secured her party’s nomination in a race that could have had implications for national elections. (Las Vegas Sun)

GOP primary winners set to battle for Democratic-held U.S. House seats in Nevada

Voters in Nevada’s 1st Congressional District will see a November rematch between incumbent Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat seeking her seventh term in the U.S. House, and Republican Mark Robertson. (Las Vegas Sun)

Jane Fonda to join Jill Biden at Reno appearance to engage senior voters

Academy Award winner Jane Fonda will join Jill Biden Friday in Reno to tout the president’s campaign initiative aimed at engaging and mobilizing senior voters. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Why Washoe County only gave 1 vote-total update the day after 2024 Nevada primary election

Commissioner Mike Clark said the lack of regular ballot-counting updates “fuels the fire of distrust” among people worried about election process. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Runner-up criticizes Nevada GOP Senate nominee Sam Brown while other former rivals back him

Nevada GOP Senate Republican runner-up Jeff Gunter has continued his attacks on the nominee and retired Army Capt. Sam Brown. (abcnews.com)

Trump ‘scooped’ the Nevada GOP Senate nominee on proposing to get rid of taxes on tips

Sam Brown plans to tap the policy proposal as he takes on Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen in an intense battle over Nevada’s Senate seat. (nbcnews.com)

Jeff Gunter has more issues to deal with

Please amend your report to disclose the proper format for earmarked contributions received from a conduit or intermediary. (Federal Election Commission)

Nevada Democrats sue to block Green Party from 2024 ballot

The Nevada Democratic Party asked a Carson City court to invalidate the signatures gathered by the Green Party, which it argued do not meet the state’s requirements. (The Nevada Independent)

Matchups set in Nevada’s federal and legislative elections

We break down who will be running in the November general election. (The Nevada Independent)

School board races: Beadles-backed candidates lose, most Moms for Liberty picks advance

None of the candidates backed by Robert Beadles, an election denier, far-right provocateur and prominent GOP donor, will advance in their races on the Washoe County School Board. (The Nevada Independent)

Republicans set field

The Republican nominees who will face off against the Democratic incumbents in Nevada’s federal races in November are all squared away. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Berkley, Seaman leading primary

The decision for who will be the next mayor of Las Vegas will likely have to wait until November’s general election with a crowded field dwindled down to the top two candidates. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Early results suggest Diaz, Knudsen to keep LV seats

Results released after 11 p.m. showed Councilman Brian Knudsen winning 62.2 percent of the vote for the Ward 1 position on the council and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz winning 57.4 percent of the vote for the Ward 3 position. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

No result changes after tally update

There were no changes to the outcome of any races in Clark County after the latest election returns were released Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Washoe County registered voters include hundreds who moved, voted in other states, group says

At least a few hundred people have moved from the Reno area, alerted the post office about their move, registered to vote elsewhere and voted in their new states — yet they are still on Washoe County’s list of registered voters. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Donald Trump calls Milwaukee, the host of the 2024 Republican convention, ‘a horrible city’

WASHINGTON – Donald Trump on Thursday called Milwaukee − where in a little over a month he will be declared the Republican nominee for president − a “horrible city.” (Reno Gazette Journal)

Updates from the Economic Forum

Information Provided at the June 6, 2024, Meeting of the Economic Forum:

The Fiscal Analysis Division reported that General Fund revenues in FY 2024 are exceeding the Economic Forum’s May 1, 2023, forecast by approximately $199.8 million (4.8% above the forecast). 

• Gaming Percentage Fees
  • $38.8 million (4.5 %) above the FY 2024 forecast
• Nongaming Live Entertainment Taxes
  • $46.0 million (82.0%) above the FY 2024 forecast
• Sales & Use Tax
  • $32.0 million (2.3%) below the FY 2024 forecast
• State Treasurer’s interest earnings
  • Interest earnings were projected to exceed $170 million in FY 2024 and $153 million in FY 2025. 
  • For the first two quarters of FY 2024, interest earnings are approximately $116.0 million, which means that the total collections for FY 2024 will far exceed the Forum’s forecast.

Considerations for the Budget for the 2025-27 Biennium:

• SB 231, the 2023 Legislature appropriated $250 million in one-time funds for allocation to school districts that provide salary increases for teachers and support personnel. 
• The significant balance in the State’s Rainy-Day Account will have a positive impact on the State’s investable balance in the 2025-27 biennium.
• The fact that Sales and Use Taxes are below the Forum’s forecast in FY 2024 are not entirely clear.
  • May result in there being a somewhat limited availability of General Funds for new programs in the 2025-27 biennium.

Funding Availability:

• Although General Funds for new operating expenses may be somewhat limited in the 2025-27 biennium, it appears that there may be significant funding available for one-shot appropriations.  The Fiscal Analysis Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau has reported that State General Fund revenues exceeded the Economic Forum’s May 1, 2023, forecast for FY 2023 by approximately $43.8 million.
• An increase in the unappropriated General Fund balance in an odd-numbered year is typically used in the next biennium for one-time expenditures such as technology enhancements and capital improvements.

Summary:

• It appears likely that the State will end FY 2024 with a revenue surplus.  Higher collections in FY 2024 also result in it being easier to reach the revenue forecasts for FY 2025 because the surplus in FY 2024 creates a better starting point to begin the year than was forecast.  
• FY 2023 General Fund revenues exceeded forecasts, and expenditures in FY 2023 were likely significantly less than the funds appropriated by the 2021 Legislature.  These factors will provide the 2025 Legislature with significant unused funds for one-time expenditures.