The G3Wire

August 30. 2024

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimated that 331,000 people would visit Southern Nevada for the traditional end of summer, a 3.4 percent increase over the 320,000 that were here for Labor Day 2023.  As summer comes to an end with the Labor Day weekend, the countdown begins with all of the interim Legislative Committees deciphering the BDRs that are coming forth for the legislative session, see below for more info on BDRs. And of course, election news is all a buzz with the Harris CNN interview… Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday offered her most expansive explanation to date on why she’s changed some of her positions on fracking and immigration, telling CNN’s Dana Bash her values haven’t shifted but that her time as vice president provided new perspective on some of the country’s most pressing issues. We hope everyone has as fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

State and Local Government Updates

Clark County’s cities, with eye toward demand, expand early education options

Public education for children between ages 3 and 5 who are ripe for learning but too young for kindergarten isn’t new as a municipal initiative — all five of Clark County’s cities run established preschool programs of some kind, separate from private and Clark County School District prekindergarten’s. (Las Vegas Sun)

People on the Move

Gov. Joe Lombardo, Treasurer Zach Conine, Interim Finance Committee Chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee Marilyn Dondero Loop announced that Nevada has finalized funding for a new campus in Southern Nevada that will increase services for victims of domestic violence and trafficking. (Las Vegas Sun)

Don’t subject us all to marijuana

Regarding Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom’s advocacy for cannabis use in casinos: (Las Vegas Sun)

DMV adds online filing options–Preapproval available before office visit

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is rolling out a new feature allowing required documents for most vehicle registrations to be uploaded online. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Sen. goes to school, talks grant program–Cortez Masto talks partnership between higher ed, districts

If passed, it would create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need school districts for job training programs for English language educators. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Clark County eviction rate high—Research lab: No. 7 in U.S. by filing count; 42 percent increase this year. Clark County has one of the highest evictions rates in the country, according to Princeton’s Eviction Lab. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Foreign teachers having an outsized impact in one rural county school district

One rural county in Nevada has found much-needed reprieve after years of ongoing teacher shortages: foreign teachers from the Philippines. “We wouldn’t be able to operate without them,” says Mineral County School District Superintendent Stephanie Keuhey. “It really has saved our district.” (Nevada Current)

State approves Elko charter school tied to controversial ‘classical’ curriculum

The Nevada State Public Charter School on Friday approved the opening of an Elko charter school that plans to use curricula from Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian private college with an outreach program “devoted to the revitalization of public education through the launch and support of classical K-12 charter schools.” (Nevada Current)

With broken A/Cs and record temps, Las Vegas students brave extreme heat

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., and environmental groups at the Bottega Exchange co-working space in southwest Las Vegas on Tuesday, calling for both short- and long-term solutions to the oppressive, extreme heat that has affected students now back at school. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada DMV, welfare workers vote to join union contract negotiations

This will nearly double the number of state workers who will be able to reap the benefits of AFSCME’s contracts with the state. (The Nevada Independent)

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority hires new CFO

Jim McIntosh, Henderson’s former assistant city manager and chief financial officer, will serve as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s CFO, the authority announced Wednesday. (Las Vegas Sun)

LVCVA: A $690.8M holiday–Vegas expecting a 3.4% increase in those visiting over Labor Day

Visitors saying farewell to summer in Las Vegas for the three-day Labor Day weekend that begins Friday will arrive in greater numbers and spend more than they did last year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Strip’s gaming win drops 15%–July’s $1.3B in comparison with strong 2023

Strip gaming win plunged by 15 percent in July leading to the first statewide decline in win in four months, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported Wednesday.( Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Outside consultant costs soared in Clark County schools this year. Why?

The district paid consultants $60 million from January through June — the highest on record — which was often for professional and wraparound programs. (The Nevada Independent)

Federal Updates

Postal Service drops plan to move all Reno mail processing to Sacramento

The agency plans to continue processing single-piece mail in Reno, which followed bipartisan outcry, but move bulk mail processing to Sacramento. (The Nevada Independent)

Google to invest $400M in Nevada data centers

The tech giant has announced a continued investment in its two Nevada data centers. Google says it plans to invest more than $400 million in Nevada this year to support its cloud and data center infrastructure in the state. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

How would an increased federal minimum wage affect Nevada?

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said she wants to work with Congress on economic policy that includes increasing the federal minimum wage. A rising federal minimum wage in Nevada would only change things for the lowest paid workers in the state if the federal wage goes beyond $12. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

U.S. Education Department outlines testing period for phased rollout of new FAFSA form

WASHINGTON — With the U.S. Department of Education using a staggered approach in opening up the 2025-26 application period for federal financial student aid, the agency said Tuesday it will partner with a small number of community-based organizations to participate in the first testing period beginning Oct. 1. (Nevada Current)

Solar project in Pahrump gets $80M federal boost

The Bureau of Land Management released its updated plan for solar energy in the West on Thursday. It makes available roughly 31 million acres of land across 11 Western states for potential solar development in an effort to more rapidly transition the country away from fossil fuel sources such as oil and gas. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Finalized federal plan outlines future of Nevada, Western solar development

The plan opens 31 million acres across the West, including nearly 12 million in Nevada for large-scale solar projects. (The Nevada Independent)

Feds plan to open 32M acres of public land for solar development across 11 western states

Federal land managers Thursday released an updated roadmap for solar energy development across 11 western states, a plan that opens about 32 million acres of federal lands to utility-scale solar development.  (Nevada Current)

Articles of Interest

Earth Funeral’s opening offers Nevadans a new green option for burial

Earth Funeral’s method uses natural materials like locally sourced wildflowers, organic mulch and wood chips to mimic the process that organic material decomposes on forest floors and becomes topsoil. (Las Vegas Sun)

As F1 prepares for second Vegas Grand Prix, can last year’s pitfalls be avoided?

With three months before the second Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, race officials, Clark County and other parties are working to minimize the challenges from last year’s inaugural event. (Th)e Nevada Independent)

Vegas-sized solar project could come to Nevada’s smallest county; residents not thrilled

Environmentalists and some residents say the proposed Esmeralda 7 project could threaten wide-open spaces and central Nevada culture. (The Nevada Independent)

Jury to resume deliberation–Closing arguments made in trial over RJ reporter’s killing

Jurors deliberated for more than four hours Monday without reaching a verdict in the murder trial of former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Tropicana’s October demise–Overnight implosion Oct. 9 to end farewell celebration

Tropicana Las Vegas owner Bally’s Corp. and the A’s will host an Oct. 8 celebratory event that will include a drone, and fireworks show from Fireworks by Grucci, according to Bally’s Corp. The event will lead to the implosion of the Tropicana, scheduled to occur at about 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 9. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Authorities look into death at Burning Man—Identity of woman who died released

RENO — Authorities said Monday that they are investigating the death of a woman at the Burning Man festival in the northern Nevada desert. (The Associated Press)

99 percent of workers approve first Venetian-Palazzo contract

Culinary Local 226 announced that an overwhelming majority of workers approved a labor deal with two Las Vegas Strip hotel-casinos. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas gearing for higher number of visitors for Labor Day

The city’s appeal as a gaming and entertainment destination continues to keep it a desirable destination as visitors say goodbye to summer. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada sees first drop in gaming win in 4 months

The volatility of baccarat was on full display in July as a low hold percentage resulted in a decline in gaming win for the first time in four months. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Jury hands down sentence after finding Telles guilty in murder of RJ reporter Jeff German

Robert Telles, the former elected Clark County Public Administrator, was found guilty Wednesday of murdering Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Evacuating Tahoe could take twice as long as projected, simulations indicate

An evacuation of residents and visitors from the north shore of the Tahoe basin could take more than two to three times as long as local officials project, according to simulations released Wednesday that depict how an emergency exodus could result in “hours-long, potentially life-threatening slow evacuations.”  (Nevada Current)

Another Resorts World gambler pleads guilty to money laundering, bookmaking

Professional poker player Damien LeForbes, a customer at Resorts World and a number of Las Vegas casinos, agreed Monday to a federal plea deal for money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 (Nevada Current)

7 new cases of mpox reported in Clark County, but risk ‘very low’ says CDC

Seven probable and confirmed cases of mpox — formerly monkeypox — have been recently reported in Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District, announced today. (Las Vegas Sun)

GUILTY OF MURDER

Former county public administrator committed 2022 slaying of reporter Jeff German, who had investigated official’s conduct. A jury found Robert Telles guilty of first-degree murder for killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German nearly two years ago, and determined he will spend life in prison with the possibility of parole for the crime. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Best season tickets for A’s games next year in Sacramento sold fast

With their current season winding down in Oakland, the Athletics have spent this summer selling and marketing season ticket plans for 2025 and beyond when they move to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, Calif. (Las Vegas Sun)

Many Gen Z men feel left behind; some see Trump as an answer

In some ways, this presidential election has become a referendum on gender roles—and the generation with the biggest difference in opinion between male and female voters is Generation Z. (Las Vegas Sun)

GSR files application for arena, major expansion with city of Reno

The current scope of work under the application includes: A 10,000-seat multi-use arena; a community ice rink; a casino connector; a seven-level parking garage; and site improvements such as a fan zone and VIP parking lot to complement the new facilities. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Biden’s newest student loan repayment plan temporarily blocked by Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday slashed the Biden administration’s latest efforts to provide student debt relief to millions of borrowers to go forward while the appeals process unfolds. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan provided lower monthly loan payments for borrowers and lessened the time it takes to pay off their debt. (Nevada Current)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting                                      October 19^th                Days Until: 54

General Election                                             November 5^th              Days Until: 50

Harris offers a compelling contrast to Trump’s record and rhetoric

Few moments have defined the differences between the two major party candidates for president of the United States as Kamala Harris’ speech on Thursday night accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination. (Las Vegas Sun)

Indy Explains: Banning slavery? Question 4 on the 2024 Nevada Ballot 

The ballot question would remove language from the Nevada Constitution that allows the use of slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment.  (The Nevada Independent)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends campaign, but he missed deadline to stay off Nevada ballot

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressed pause on his third-party presidential campaign Friday and endorsed former President Donald Trump, he said he planned to remove his name from the ballot in battleground states “where my presence would be a spoiler.” (Reno Gazette Journal)

In LV visit, Trump touts Kennedy endorsement, declares support for keeping subminimum wage

Trump said it was “a great honor” to receive Kennedy’s endorsement, adding he would be meeting with him soon to discuss his support. Despite Kennedy’s declining polling numbers and past controversies, Trump praised him and his endorsement. (Nevada Current)

Renewable energy revolution in rural America

The Biden Administration’s Investing in America Agenda – with $266 million aimed at empowering rural business owners – has been a game-changer for folks like Kevin, helping him go from off-the-grid local to energy innovator and booming business owner. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Candidates spar over debate–Squabble over muting of microphones when one isn’t talking

The campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are arguing in advance of their high-stakes Sept. 10 debate over whether microphones should be muted except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. (The Associated Press)

Trump promises mass deportations of undocumented people. How would that work?

“Mass deportation now!” is a catchphrase for the Trump presidential campaign, as the Republican nominee proposes a crackdown on immigration that would oust thousands of undocumented people. (Nevada Current)

As race narrows, Trump campaign ramps up in Nevada

The campaign has five offices open in the Silver State, but it still significantly trails the Harris campaign’s ground game. (The Nevada Independent)

Harris’ housing plan aims to help ease Nevada’s shortage of affordable housing

The ad targets residents in election swing states including Nevada, where the median price of a single-family home was $480,000 in July, according to the Las Vegas Realtors trade group. (Las Vegas Sun)

RFK Jr. won’t appear on Nevada’s general election ballot

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, will not appear in Nevada’s general election ballots, despite missing a deadline to drop out of the race. )Las Vegas Review-Journal)

As election nears, Republicans narrow Democrats’ voter registration edge in Nevada

Between Aug. 1, 2020, and Aug. 1, 2024, the number registered Democrats who are active voters has tumbled by about 31,000 while the number of Republicans has risen by about 31,000. (Reno Gazette Journal)

New national-facing role in the Harris-Walz campaign for Horsford

I’m excited to announce that I have been named a National Co-Chair for the Harris-Walz campaign. (X)

Harris campaign tabs Nevada’s Horsford as national co-chair

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., was named a national co-chair for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, the Las Vegas resident announced in a social media post today. (Las Vegas Sun)

Harris explains in exclusive CNN interview why she’s shifted her position on key issues since her first run for president

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday offered her most expansive explanation to date on why she’s changed some of her positions on fracking and immigration, telling CNN’s Dana Bash her values haven’t shifted but that her time as vice president provided new perspective on some of the country’s most pressing issues. (cnn.com)

Harris defends shift right–‘My values have not changed’ VP says in CNN interview

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday defended shifting away from some of her more liberal positions in her first major television interview of her presidential campaign, but insisted her “values have not changed” even as she is “seeking consensus.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Harris, Walz defend past statements, promise ‘opportunity economy’ in CNN interview

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday defended her values and vowed, if elected, to appoint a Republican to her cabinet in her first major sit-down interview since her presidential campaign began just over a month ago. (Nevada Current)

Upcoming Fundraisers

Fundraiser in Support of

Heidi Kasama AD2

Brian Hibbetts AD13

Bert Gurr AD33

Gregory Hafen AD36

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

4:00PM-6:00PM

The Brewer’s Cabinet

475 Arlington Ave.

Reno, NV 89501

RSVP eric@gopnevada.com

_______________________________________

Campaign Fundraiser for

Kerri Maxey

District Court Judge

Thursday, September 19, 2024

6:00PM-8:00PM

McFarling Law Group

6230 W. Desert Inn Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89146

RSVP: shelzenes@mcfarlinglaw.com

2025 Legislative Session Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3^rd                Days Until: 157

2025 Legislative Session – Bill Draft Requests

September 1^st is the next major deadline for certain entities, including legislative committees, constitutional officers, and local governments, to submit their BDRs. Topics are numerous, including child welfare, education, economic development, elections, health care, housing, and public safety. The 2025 Legislative Session will begin February 3, 2025.

Cannizzaro to introduce legislation protecting IVF in Nevada

The bill would establish a statutory right to IVF, provide protections for health care providers and expand insurance options to cover IVF treatment. (The Nevada Independent)

Lawmakers target bills tied to water, environment—Five proposed measures on Nevada radar for 2025

In the nation’s driest state with the highest percentage of public land, managing natural resources effectively is front of mind for state lawmakers heading into the next session of the Legislature. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Lawmakers seek bills to end ‘use it or lose it’ water law, expand water rights retirement program

Nevada’s limited water resources and wide open public lands will continue to be the source of legal and political battles for state lawmakers next year — whatever the outcome of November’s election. When state lawmakers meet in Carson City next February, they will be asked to consider several — likely contentious — bills related to o groundwater, agriculture, and public land use during their four-month legislative session. (Nevada Current)

City of Las Vegas wants state lawmakers to modify health, housing statutes

Las Vegas city officials are hoping state lawmakers create a definition for medical respite care to help pay for health services for the unhoused, and boost incentives to create more affordable housing.  The Las Vegas City Council on Tuesday approved three bill draft requests for the 2025 Legislative Session.  (Nevada Current)

Legislative committee to sponsor bill to establish dementia care network

State lawmakers next year will consider legislation to expand and better coordinate resources for Nevadans with dementia. The interim Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs on Friday approved their bill draft requests for the 2025 Legislative Session, which is scheduled to begin in early February. (Nevada Current)

Tobacco giant eyes NV as market for new product, and eyes lawmakers for favorable tax treatment

Representatives from an international tobacco giant have begun pitching to Nevada state lawmakers a new product they describe as a safer alternative for cigarette smokers. They’re not hoping the lawmakers will give their new-to-market “heated cigarettes” a puff puff.  (Nevada Current)