The G3Wire

December 6, 2024

Nevada is projecting $12.4 billion in tax revenue over the next two fiscal years — $412 million, or 3.4%, more than what the state is projected to collect for the current biennium.  Leadership positions in the Nevada Legislature are falling into place with less than three months until the 2025 session convenes in Carson City. Majority Democrats restored Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro to their posts following their election wins. Now, more leadership positions are in place.  Republicans have also selected their leaders, with Gregory Hafen II selected as Assembly minority leader and Robin L. Titus as Senate minority leader. All of the committee assignments for the 83^rd Legislative Session can be found below in the Legislative Update section of the G3Wire. And scientists, nonprofit advocates, tribal leaders and negotiators from seven western states attended the Colorado River Water Users Association conference to discuss the future of our water. These Nevada news stories and so much more below!

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Urges Congress To Reauthorize Farm Bill

Today, Governor Joe Lombardo joined 16 Republican governors in a joint letter to Congress expressing his concerns about the delayed passage of an updated Farm Bill, also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. (The Nevada Globe)

Gov. appoints Goicoechea to Nevada Board of Regents

Former state Sen. Pete Goicoechea was appointed to the Nevada Board of Regents by Gov. Joe Lombardo on Tuesday afternoon. (Las Vegas Sun)

State and Local Government Updates

Strip to host water pact officials–Lake Mead’s future to be discussed at conference

With the dawn of a second Trump administration and a looming deadline for interstate negotiations, Las Vegas will turn its focus to the Colorado River this week. Scientists, nonprofit advocates, tribal leaders and negotiators from all seven states that rely on the river will attend the Colorado River Water Users Association conference at Paris Las Vegas beginning on Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Washoe County could resolve election case if it acts like Clark County, court filing says

Washoe County’s elections department gets criticized for not stacking up against Clark County’s in the latest filings in an ongoing lawsuit over voter registrations. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Lombardo, lawmakers will have $12.4 billion for next budget in a slight bump from 2023

The projection marks nearly 7 percent increase in revenues compared to the last state budget.  Gov. Joe Lombardo and Nevada legislators will have more than $12.4 billion to build the state’s next two-year general fund budget, a record-setting projected tax revenue forecast approved Monday by a state economic panel. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada Economic Forum makes conservative state revenue estimates for next bienniumNevada is projecting $12.4 billion in tax revenue over the next two fiscal years — $412 million, or 3.4%, more than what the state is projected to collect for the current biennium. (Nevada Current)

Former state senator tapped for seat on Nevada Board of Regents

Former state Sen. Pete Goicoechea was appointed to the Nevada Board of Regents by Gov. Joe Lombardo on Tuesday afternoon. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas’ next mayor says she’s ready to get to work

Before being sworn in to office to lead her first City Council meeting, Las Vegas Mayor-elect Shelley Berkley said she’s ready to usher in a new era. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Strip gaming revenue has been down four straight months.

Baccarat revenue on the Strip was down 23.4%. The last the Strip declined in four straight months was February through May 2019.  Sports wagering revenue fell 50.4% statewide. The books held just 2% of all football bets. (X)

County OK’s reduced payment for Formula One trackside ads

Clark County commissioners approved a new contract for advertising within the public right-of-way that reduces the cost for F1 to place sponsorship ads along its Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

CCSD Trustee Lola Brooks resigns prior to end of her term

Clark County School Board Trustee Lola Brooks has resigned from her position a month short of the end of her final term on the board. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Las Vegas conference to tackle urgent Colorado River water management issues

One of the focuses of the Colorado River Water Users Association conference starting today at Paris Las Vegas will be discussing paths forward on Colorado River use and management between the seven Upper and Lower Basin states, tribes and Mexico. (Las Vegas Sun)

Court fight over water rights?–Colorado River matter could end up where it doesn’t belong

Most who work on the Colorado River concur: A courtroom is the last place decisions about water should be made. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

California water savings help raise Lake Mead–Conservation efforts over time add 16 feet

That’s about three-fourths of the coastal state’s commitment to conserve 1.6 million acre-feet of water by 2026. California’s approach to drought has run the gamut, including desalinization in San Diego, a wastewater treatment plant outside of Los Angeles, and using federal funds to limit farmer water use in the Imperial Valley. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

‘Baby steps’: 5 Colorado River tribes sign water agreements

Having access to clean, reliable water has never been a given on tribal lands that rely on the Colorado River. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

This North Las Vegas official quit in May. He made $1M anyway

Ryann Juden, the city’s chief executive since 2018, was paid almost $675,000 in severance and $85,500 in consulting fees. Separately, he also cashed out roughly $97,000 in unused vacation and sick leave. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Regents approve stadium fee sale–County would get Sam Boyd for $5M

UNLV is a step closer to no longer owning and maintaining Sam Boyd Stadium, former home of Rebels football. Clark County’s acquisition of the 69-acre Sam Boyd site from UNLV for a $5 million fee was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Nevada Board of Regents. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Federal Updates

Analysis: How redistricting helped Nevada Democrats — but not enough to gain supermajority

Democrats largely benefitted from the new boundaries — particularly in swing Assembly districts and Congressional District 3 — but the new districts hurt them in the races that cost them a chance of a supermajority. (The Nevada Independent)

Calendar quirks to blame for extra SSI checks this November, February: Here’s why

Some Social Security beneficiaries may get an unexpected extra check this month – it’s not a mistake; it’s more of a quirk of the calendar. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada dispensaries welcome bipartisan push in D.C. for cannabis banking reforms

Because marijuana is still illegal under federal law, dispensaries, operating legally in Nevada since 2015, cannot do business with national banks. (Las Vegas Sun)

Congress may kick the can down the road on funding government

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said he would push back on any attempts to cut community project funding. He pointed to previous years where he secured funding for workforce development training with nonprofit Chicanos Por La Causa and for mental health services. (Las Vegas Sun)

Articles of Interest

End of an era–Carolyn Goodman reflects on her time as Las Vegas mayor: ‘It’s been the best job’

The 25-year Goodman legacy running the city will end Wednesday when Mayor-elect Shelley Berkley assumes office, giving the 85-year-old Goodman plenty of time to reflect. (Las Vegas Sun)

UNLV braces for shooting anniversary–Several artworks on campus honor victims of man’s attack

A year later, the UNLV community has come together to remember those lost, and support those suffering from the memory of surviving, through art and connection. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Lake to be refilled as old dam repairs near completion

A once-popular Nevada fishing lake that has stood near empty for almost two years will return back to its former levels after state officials repaired a dam that posed a danger to neighboring residents. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Breakaway Success–Why cowgirls are once again knocking at the NFR’s door

It’s also the fastest-growing event in rodeo. In 2019, breakaway was part of 30 competitions sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This year, it was included in 500 rodeos. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump’s threat of mass deportations looms large for undocumented people in Nevada

On top of separating loved ones, immigration advocates say that a mass deportation campaign could be widely disruptive to Nevada’s economy and cultural fabric. (The Nevada Independent)

Southern Nevada’s departing health officer helped bridge two cultures during crisis

During his tenure, he shepherded the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and many other public health challenges, including the opioid epidemic. (The Nevada Independent)

New Nevada climatologist brings lessons from Mount Everest to bear on state’s water issues

Baker Perry has a long history of studying the effects of climate change on the world’s water supply. Now, he’s looking to expand understanding of weather and climate across Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)

Estimated cost of A’s ballpark rises to $1.75B

The cost of the Athletics’ planned Las Vegas ballpark has increased by a quarter-billion dollars, according to Las Vegas Stadium Authority documents. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Plans for museum of art are next step in maturation of Las Vegas as a major city

The Las Vegas City Council recently approved the sale of a half-acre parcel that will eventually become an outdoor sculpture garden with space for community events. The city previously gifted 1.5 acres of land to the museum. (Las Vegas Sun)

Parking, resort fees going up at MGM Resorts Las Vegas Strip properties

The largest operator of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip says the new fee schedules at its properties on the resort corridor go into effect Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada city ranked as top 100 livable places according to RentCafe

RentCafe, a national apartment search website, released its ranking of The Most Livable Places in the U.S. in 2024. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, county health rankings and other organizations to determine three factors that went into the final ranking: socioeconomics, quality of life, and location and community. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Gaming: The heat is on Resorts World Las Vegas

The Strip resort’s Malaysian owner blamed the record-breaking summer temperatures for bringing down quarterly results. Analysts think otherwise. Southern Nevada’s excessive heat this summer broke numerous marks for all-time high temperatures, including a record 112 days over 100 degrees. The weather also broke Resorts World Las Vegas.(The Nevada Independent)

Reno posts its third-highest median home price while Sparks sees dip

Sales of existing single-family homes are also up overall in Reno-Sparks as more inventories enters the market.(Reno Gazette Journal)

Investors target Vegas homes—Redfin: Biggest increase in 3rd-quarter purchases in nation

The valley posted a 27.9 percent increase from the second quarter, the biggest jump of any metro in the country, according to the study. This was higher than Seattle (21.8 percent) and San Jose, California (19.5 percent). (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Gaming: The heat is on Resorts World Las Vegas

The Strip resort’s Malaysian owner blamed the record-breaking summer temperatures for bringing down quarterly results. Analysts think otherwise. (The Nevada Independent)

Area rents revert to pre-pandemic trajectory, report says–SNV rents are down 3.7% from 2022 peaks

Following some aggressive spikes that accompanied the economy’s emergence from pandemic shutdowns, Southern Nevada rents today are about what they would have been if the pandemic hadn’t happened, a recent report suggests. (Nevada Current)

The Clark County Coroner Releases Latest Numbers on 2024 Heat-Related Deaths

Las Vegas, NV – The Clark County Coroner’s Office has reported a troubling increase in heat-related deaths for 2024, with 491 fatalities recorded as of Monday. (The Nevada Globe)

Stadium Authority satisfied with financing for A’s stadium, approves the $1.75B project

The team now needs entitlement approval from Clark County to move forward with a groundbreaking next year. Opening day is set for 2028. (The Nevada Independent)

Ballpark deal: A’s hit ‘triple’–3 long-anticipated agreements approved by stadium authority

The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved the development, non-relocation and lease agreements for the A’s planned $1.75 billion ballpark during a Thursday afternoon meeting. The agreements detail how the planned Strip stadium will be built and how the team’s tenure in Las Vegas will be regulated. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election News

Democrats lost working-class voters to Trump ― even in this blue bastion

As the dust of the 2024 election settles, the rightward bent of voters in historically liberal-leaning states has laid bare the sweeping nature of the Democratic Party’s problems. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Analysis: How redistricting helped Nevada Democrats — but not enough to gain supermajority

The Indy found it helped Dems in key congressional and Assembly races, but hurt them in races that ended their chance to override vetoes from the GOP governor. (The Nevada Independent)

US Postal Service touts timely delivery of mail ballots despite concerns from election officials

The U.S. Postal Service said Monday nearly 100% of completed mail ballots were returned to election offices within a week for this year’s presidential contest, despite hurricanes, some misdirected election mail and delivery concerns raised by state officials. (Las Vegas Sun)

Washoe County Commissioner Mike Clark raised 9 election concerns. We looked into each one.

Although 2024 election results are final and certified by the Nevada Supreme Court, Washoe County Commissioner Mike Clark still has concerns. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada Democrats restart push to be nation’s first presidential primary in 2028

Daniele Monroe-Moreno put out a memo detailing Nevada’s case as national Democrats look to elect a new party chair. (The Nevada Independent)

Despite progress in Nevada, new study shows voting for Native Americans harder than ever

A new study has found that systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands contribute to substantial disparities in Native American turnout, particularly for presidential elections. (The Nevada Independent)

Legislative Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session                February 3^rd                       Days Until: 59

• Check out the 611 bill draft requests that have been submitted up until now–BDR List.

• Bills from the 83^rd Legislative Session – to date: 161 bills

Proposed Nevada bill aims to ban teachers from ‘grooming’ students

The bill is sponsored by the Senate Committee on Education on behalf of the Department of Education. If passed as written, the proposal would allow the state to place a hold on teachers’ licenses without a hearing if they’re arrested for, charged with or suspended for sexual impropriety with students. (Las Vegas Sun)

State legislator travels afar often—Sponsored study tours to Europe, Rio, Mexico

The trips, paid for by outside groups, were among those reported by Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager in a financial disclosure statement required under Nevada law. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

A woman majority is the new norm for the Nevada State Legislature. So now what?

Parity in numbers doesn’t always mean parity in power. In 2019, Nevada became the first state with a majority woman legislature, and it has now maintained its majority women legislature for three election cycles. (Nevada Current)

Nevada Legislature to maintain highest rate of female representation in the nation in 2025

Colorado and New Mexico join the Silver State in having female majorities after November’s election. The number of female lawmakers nationwide has hit a record. (The Nevada Independent)

Will legislators, Lombardo bring back $250M for teacher raises next year?

Officials have remained relatively mum in public on the prospect of renewing the funding, which passed with all, but one Republican assemblyman opposed,  but there appears to be a desire for renewal on both sides of the aisle.  (The Nevada Independent)

Vice Chair of Judiciary Committee Under Active State Bar Investigation

As reported by The Globe, Assemblywoman Marzola is under an active Nevada Bar Association investigation after a complaint was filed against her in September. (The Nevada Globe)

NV Dept of Education Adds Anti-Grooming Bill to Legislative Docket

The Committee on Education, on behalf of the Nevada Department of Education, has submitted Senate Bill 59 for consideration in the next legislative session. (The Nevada Globe)

Speaker Steve Yeager announced the leadership team for the 2025 legislative session. He also named the Assembly committee chairs and vice chairs.   (2news.com)

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager announced his leadership team:

• Daniele Monroe-Moreno, speaker pro tempore
• Sandra Jauregui, floor majority leader
• Erica Mosca, assistant floor majority leader
• Howard Watts, majority whip
• Natha Anderson, assistant majority whip

Cannizzaro announced her Senate leadership team:

• Marilyn Dondero Loop, president pro-tempore
• Roberta Lange, assistant majority leader
• Melanie Scheible, chief majority whip
• Fabian Doñate and Skip Daly, deputy majority whips

COMMITTEES:

Assembly

COMMERCE & LABOR
Chair: Elaine Marzola 

Vice chair: Sandra Jauregui
Members: Democrats Natha Anderson, Max Carter, Brittney Miller, Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Erica Roth, Selena Torres, Steve Yeager; Republicans Lisa Cole, Melissa Hardy, Heidi Kasama, P.K. O’Neill, Toby Yurek.

EDUCATION
Chair: Selena Torres
Vice chair: Reuben D’Silva
Members: Democrats Joe Dalia, Tanya Flanagan, Linda Hunt, Selena La Rue Hatch, Erica Mosca, David Orentlicher; Republicans Rich DeLong, Melissa Hardy, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Chair: Venicia Considine 

Vice chair: Duy Nguyen
Members: Democrats Max Carter, Reuben D’Silva, Tanya Flanagan, Heather Goulding, Linda Hunt, Jovan Jackson, Venise Karris; Republicans Rich DeLong, Rebecca Edgeworth, Danielle Gallant, Bert Gurr, Heidi Kasama.

GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE

Chair: Howard Watts 

Vice chair: Max Carter
Members: Democrats Shea Backus, Tracy Brown-May, Venise Karris, Cinthia Moore, Duy Nguyen; Republicans Jill Dickman, Danielle Gallant, Bert Gurr, Toby Yurek.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Chair: Tracy Brown-May
Vice chair: Duy Nguyen
Members: Democrats Joe Dalia, Cecilia Gonzalez, Heather Goulding, Linda Hunt, Jovan Jackson, Hanadi Nadeem, David Orentlicher; Republicans Rebecca Edgeworth, Ken Gray, Gregory Hafen, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig.

JUDICIARY
Chair: Brittney Miller
Vice chair: Elaine Marzola
Members: Democrats Joe Dalia, Cecelia Gonzalez, Selena La Rue Hatch, Cinthia Moore, Hanadi Nadeem, David Orentlicher, Erica Roth; Republicans Lisa Cole, Ken Gray, Alexis Hansen, Melissa Hardy, Toby Yurek.

LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Chair: Erica Mosca
Vice chair: Cecelia Gonzalez
Members: Democrats Sandra Jauregui, Brittney Miller, Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Cinthia Moore, Hanadi Nadeem; Republicans Lisa Cole, Jill Dickman, Rebecca Edgeworth, Alexis Hansen.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Chair: Natha Anderson
Vice chair: Selena La Rue Hatch
Members: Democrats Venicia Considine, Jovan Jackson, Venise Karris, Elaine Marzola, Howard Watts; Republicans Rich DeLong, Bert Gurr, Alexis Hansen, Heidi Kasama.

REVENUE
Chair: Shea Backus
Vice chair: Venicia Considine
Members: Democrats Reuben D’Silva, Tanya Flanagan, Heather Goulding, Duy Nguyen, Erica Roth; Republicans Danielle Gallant, Ken Gray, Gregory Hafen, P.K. O’Neill.

WAYS & MEANS
Chair: Daniele Monroe-Moreno
Vice chair: Shea Backus
Members: Democrats Natha Anderson, Tracy Brown-May, Sandra Jauregui, Erica Mosca, Selena Torres, Howard Watts, Steve Yeager; Republicans Jill Dickman, Gregory Hafen, Brian Hibbetts, Gregory Koenig, P.K. O’Neill.

Growth & Infrastructure

Senate

COMMERCE AND LABOR
Chair: Julie Pazina
Vice chair: Skip Daly
Members: Democrats Melanie Scheible, Roberta Lange, Edgar Flores; Republicans John Ellison, Lori Rogich, John Steinbeck.

EDUCATION
Chair: Angie Taylor
Vice chair: Marilyn Dondero Loop
Members: Democrats Shelly Cruz-Crawford, Fabian Doñate; Republicans Robin Titus, Carrie Buck, Lori Rogich.

FINANCE
Chair: Marilyn Dondero Loop
Vice chair: Rochelle Nguyen
Members: Democrats Nicole Cannizzaro, Dina Neal, Angie Taylor; Republicans Robin Titus, Jeff Stone, Carrie Buck.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Chair: Edgar Flores
Vice chair: James Ohrenschall
Members: Democrats Dina Neal, Skip Daly; Republicans Lisa Krasner, John Ellison, Lori Rogich.

GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Chair: Rochelle Nguyen
Vice chair: Julie Pazina
Members: Democrat Fabian Doñate; Republicans Ira Hansen, Carrie Buck.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chair: Fabian Doñate, Chair
Vice chair: Angie Taylor
Members: Democrat Roberta Lange; Republicans Robin Titus, Jeff Stone.

JUDICIARY
Chair: Melanie Scheible
Vice chair: Edgar Flores
Members: Democrats Rochelle Nguyen, James Ohrenschall, Roberta Lange; Republicans Lisa Krasner, Ira Hansen, John Ellison.

LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Chair: James Ohrenschall, Chair
Vice chair: Skip Daly
Members: Democrat Nicole Cannizzaro; Republicans Lisa Krasner, John Steinbeck.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Chair: Shelly Cruz-Crawford
Vice chair: Melanie Scheible
Members: Democrat Julie Pazina, Republicans Ira Hansen, John Ellison.

REVENUE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Chair: Dina Neal
Vice chair: Fabian Doñate
Members: Democrat Shelly Cruz-Crawford; Republicans Jeff Stone, John Steinbeck.

Presidential Transition Updates

2 presidents, 2 policies, 1 superpower: America in transition

This is America in the time of transition, making peace and declaring war, all in the same 24-hour news cycle — two presidents leading the country in two different directions, one officially, the other unofficially; one representing the past and present, the other the future. (Las Vegas Sun)

Trump taps ally to lead FBI–Patel has urged federal ‘housecleaning’

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kash Patel to serve as FBI director, turning to an ally to upend America’s premier law enforcement agency and rid the government of perceived “conspirators. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Report shows scale of Biden’s DEI spending

President Donald Trump has promised to reduce government waste and employed wealthy businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the charge. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Despite his musings Trump cannot run for reelection again

President-elect Donald Trump has mused more than once that he might like to extend his next stay at the White House. But can he run for reelection again in 2028 and seek a third term? The simple answer: No, the Constitution does not allow it. (Las Vegas Sun)

Trump’s threat of mass deportations looms large for undocumented people in Nevada

On top of separating loved ones, immigration advocates say that a mass deportation campaign could be widely disruptive to Nevada’s economy and cultural fabric. (The Nevada Independent)

Transition team OKs vetting—Agreement allows Justice Department to check Trump picks

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team said Tuesday they had signed an agreement with the Justice Department that would allow the agency to start vetting potential picks for the incoming administration. (Bloomberg News)

Blue states prepare for battle over Trump’s environmental rollbacks

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to slash federal climate, clean air and clean water regulations during his second term — an agenda that could target rules governing everything from auto emissions to power plant pollution to drinking water standards. (Nevada Current)

Trump picks auctioneer to lead the IRS

Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long was tapped on Wednesday evening by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Internal Revenue Service. (Nevada Current)