December 15, 2023
This week’s political news includes more coverage of the Attorney General’s prosecution of the “fake electors” from the 2020 Presidential Election, legal actions related to multiple initiative petition efforts, President Biden in Nevada talking about a much-anticipated high-speed rail project, continued conflict over education spending in Clark County, and many more 2024 election and candidate updates!
This will be the last G3 Wire of 2023. We will return with this weekly newsletter in January as we jump into what will no doubt be a very busy election year. From The Griffin Company, we hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!!
Days until:
- Nevada presidential primary: 52
- GOP presidential caucus: 54
- Primary Election Day: 178
- General Election Day: 325
State and Local Government Updates
Is Nevada’s economy booming or middling? It depends on the questions, who you ask
Good news: The state has seen 32 consecutive months of more than $1 billion in statewide gaming revenue. Bad news: Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the nation — and has for months. Good news: Record tax collections have furnished the largest budget in state history. Bad news: Nevada ranks near-bottom nationally for average wages and wage growth. (The Nevada Independent)
In Vegas, Biden highlights $3 billion for high-speed rail line to sell Nevadans on economy
President Joe Biden in Las Vegas on Friday heralded his efforts to secure funding for the much-anticipated commuter rail project from Southern Nevada to Southern California, again emphasizing his administration’s economic policies less than one year out from the 2024 election. (The Nevada Independent)
Investigation into ‘fake elector’ scheme lengthy, AG Ford says
He said his office has taken the time to ensure it gathered sufficient facts and evidence to pursue charges, which are a culmination of a long and careful investigation into the actions of the fake electors. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada officials approve $27 million for incarcerated people’s mental health care
The average wait time for treatment is much longer than the law allows. The state hopes the money will increase the number of people who receive care. (The Nevada Independent)
Washoe County School Board rehires Kristen McNeill as interim superintendent
McNeill, who was superintendent from 2020-2022, agreed to take the post after the surprise resignation of Susan Enfield. Enfield leaves after a year on the job. Her last day is Feb. 9. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Lombardo spurned ethics commissioner’s reapplication ahead of major vote, emails show
Days before a high-profile Nevada Commission on Ethics hearing on a potential $1.6 million fine for using his sheriff’s badge and uniform during his 2022 campaign for governor, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed two new members to the eight-member board — both of whom later voted against fining or censuring the governor. (The Nevada Independent)
Lawmakers dole out extra funds for educator raises, delay decision on Clark County schools
The Interim Finance Committee on Wednesday authorized more than $15 million to support pay raises at five school districts, but deferred requests from four other school districts including Clark County. (The Nevada Independent)
SB231 Funding Awarded:
School District Funding Requests
Carson City $5,289,991
Douglas $4,531,925
Eureka $338,244
Nye $4,167,063
White Pine $991,914
Source: Materials from the Interim Finance Committee’s Dec. 13 meeting
Lawsuit seeks to block Voter ID
The petition includes a list of acceptable IDs, such as a Nevada Driver’s License, a passport, tribal or university ID, and ID card issued by a state or U.S. government or another form of government-issued photo ID that the legislature may approve. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Independent redistricting commission ballot questions challenged by Democrats
The lawsuits argue the proposed ballot initiatives violate the Nevada Constitution by failing to raise revenue to pay for the commission. (The Nevada Independent)
Federal Updates
White House to meet with dozens of Democratic state legislators on gun violence prevention
The White House announced its Office of Gun Violence Prevention will meet Wednesday with nearly 100 Democratic state legislators in an effort to reduce gun violence and offer federal support. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Amodei a ‘yes’ on Biden impeachment inquiry
He said voting to officially open the inquiry represents following standard procedure, which he criticized Democrats for skipping in 2021 when they initiated impeachment proceedings against then-President Donald Trump over his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. (The Nevada Independent)
Officials commemorate deal to conserve Colorado River water
The Department of Interior announced in May that Inflation Reduction Act funding would compensate water districts for 2.3 million acre feet of cuts across the three Lower Basin states, California, Nevada and Arizona. (Las Vegas Sun)
Articles of Interest
Lack of capital, ‘authenticity’: Four big issues facing Nevada’s cannabis industry in 2024
In an industry that remains illegal at the federal level, but regulated in certain states, Nevada is experiencing some challenges also seen nationwide, such as slower investment and heavy regulation, but others that are confined to its borders. The broad challenges that face businesses that have been legal for just a few years were among the topics of discussion at the 2023 MJBizCon Dare to Grow conference that wrapped earlier this month in Las Vegas. (The Nevada Independent)
New gold mine in Lander, Eureka counties gets green light
Nevada Gold Mines’ Goldrush Mine project in Lander and Eureka counties has been approved, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced Tuesday. (The Nevada Independent)
Las Vegas Grand Prix ‘went exceptionally well,’ says LVCVA leader
“What they (the Formula One team) were able to accomplish in 16 months with obviously the entire city supporting that effort was really remarkable,” LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill told the board of directors in its last meeting at its current board room. “It was the most difficult thing we’ve ever done but the event itself went exceptionally well.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Reproductive rights group seeks second initiative to protect abortion in NV Constitution
The group’s first ballot initiative proposes broader protections for “reproductive freedom,” but has stalled over legal challenges. (The Nevada Independent)
More than 2M Tesla vehicles facing recall
Documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators say the update will increase warnings and alerts to drivers and even limit the areas where basic versions of Autopilot can operate. The recall comes after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some were deadly. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Built for 2023, not 2009;’ Fontainebleau hopes to make high-end presence on North Strip
Fontainebleau will fit 3,644 rooms and suites on 60 floors of the tower, along with 36 restaurants and bars, 550,000 square feet of convention space atop the parking garage, 90,000 square feet of retail with 35 shops, a 6-acre elevated pool deck with seven pools and a 55,000-square-foot spa along with a 14,000-square-foot fitness center. (The Nevada Independent)
Indy Environment: January opening announced for Southern Nevada’s Ice Age Fossils State Park
Ice Age Fossils State Park, the newest addition to Nevada’s system, is set to open Jan. 20th. (The Nevada Independent)
Senator Still pushes for U.S. supply chain of rare earth magnets
Rare earth magnets are integral components of cellphones, computers, electric vehicles and defense systems, but they are almost exclusively made in China, the statement says. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Joe Lee Johnson-RIP
Joe was elected to the Nevada State Assembly, District 27, (1990-1992) (Reno Gazette Journal)
Election News
Important Dates
- Early voting for the Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries will run from January 27, 2024, through February 2, 2024.
- The Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries are February 6, 2024.
- Republican Presidential Caucus is February 8, 2024.
- The Primary Election is June 11, 2024.
- The General Election is November 5, 2024.
Ben Barteau announced he is running for Assembly District 24, formerly Sarah Peter’s seat.
Democrat-linked attorneys sue to stop voter ID ballot measure
A member of an immigrant advocacy group represented by well-known Democratic attorneys is suing to stop a question aimed at requiring Nevadans to provide photo identification before voting from appearing on next year’s general election ballot. (The Nevada Independent)
Independent redistricting commission ballot questions challenged by Democrats
A pair of law firms known for representing Democratic officials and causes filed two lawsuits last week aimed at blocking proposed ballot questions that would take redistricting out of the Legislature’s control. (The Nevada Independent)
Biden campaign announces Nevada staff hires
President Biden’s reelection campaign announced four key staff hires Monday for its leadership team in Nevada, shoring up the campaign’s presence in the battleground Silver State. (The Kansas Star)
Clark County Commissioner Ross Miller will not seek re-election in 2024
With a year left in his first term, Clark County Commissioner Ross Miller says he is not seeking re-election in 2024 because he wants to pursue opportunities in the private sector. (The Nevada Independent)
Republican National Committee’s claims of suspicious Nevada voter registrations draws pushback
Washoe is listed in a letter sent to Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar as one of five counties — along with Carson City, Churchill, Clark and Eureka — accused of having more than 90% of adults registered to vote. The RNC also claims three other counties have more registered voters than voting-age adults: Douglas, Lyon and Storey. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Donald Trump to hold presidential caucus event at Reno-Sparks Convention Center
Former President Donald Trump is headed to Reno this month ahead of a caucus to decide who Nevada’s Republican delegates will pick as their presidential candidate in 2024. Event will be Sunday, December 17th. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Why did North Las Vegas push for a property tax special election? Officials won’t say.
The city redacted emails and declined interviews regarding plans for a December election that a top official said could disrupt presidential primary planning. (The Nevada Independent)
Swing-State Surveys Show Biden Trailing Trump in 7 Key States
Battleground voters report feeling less inflation pain, but it’s not helping Biden against Trump. (The Nevada Independent)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Naomi Duerr’s Holiday Jingle and Mingle
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @5:00pm
Sierra Arts Foundation
17 S. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada
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Fundraiser for Diana Sande
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, @5:30-7:30pm
330 Juniper Hill Road
Reno, Nevada 89519
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