March 1, 2024
Governor Lombardo was all about education this week, with a statewide education audit, an exercise program for three elementary or middle schools and an announcement of $6 million in funding for Nevada’s Read by Grade 3 Program! Nevada counties are struggling to find poll workers in a pivotal election year, and Nevada’s the top election official in the state is asking the legal community to help fill the gap. The Legislature’s Fiscal Analysis Division provided a positive update on statewide tax collection midway through its current fiscal year. This and much more in a busy week in Nevada on the eve of candidate filing, which starts Monday and goes through March 15th.
State Fiscal Update on Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (ending June 30, 2024):
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Joint Interim Standing Committee, the Legislative Counsel Bureau’s Fiscal Analysis Division reported that General Fund revenues in FY 2024 are exceeding the Economic Forum’s May 1, 2023, forecast by approximately $95.6 million (5.2% above the forecast). The report does not include comparisons of the Modified Business Tax or the Insurance Premium Tax due to reporting discrepancies that occurred in the first quarter of FY 2023.
- Through seven (7) months of collections, Gaming Percentage Fees, the General Fund’s second largest revenue source, are $45.9 million above the FY 2024 forecast.
- Through five (5) months of collections, Nongaming Live Entertainment Taxes are approximately $22.8 million above the FY 2024 forecast.
- Through five (5) months of collections, the State’s largest General Fund revenue source, the Sales and Use Tax, is approximately $19.2 million below forecast.
- Through the first quarter of FY 2024, Real Property Transfer Tax revenues are approximately $5 million below forecast.
Although it is too early to predict with any certainty the size of a potential surplus in this current biennium, a surplus is starting to appear likely based on these strong revenue collections year-to-date especially from Gaming Percentage Fees, Nongaming Live Entertainment Taxes, and the State Treasurer’s Office’s interest earnings compared to the forecast for those revenues when budgets were finalized in June 2023. As of today, state revenues seem poised to grow and outpace projections barring any significant slowing of the economy.
Updates from the Governor’s Office
The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and the Office of Governor Joe Lombardo are pleased to announce $6 million in funding for Nevada’s Read by Grade 3 Program. (NV.gov)
In case you missed it, today fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) selected the State of Nevada for its 2024 DON’T QUIT! (NV.gov)
Governor Lombardo Statement on Results of Statewide Education Audit
Governor Lombardo released the following statement on the results of the Statewide Education Audit mandated by Executive Order 2023-005 and administered by the Governor’s Finance Office, Division of Internal Audits. (NV.gov)
State and Local Government Updates
Washoe County amendment to discourage homeless camps near Truckee River moves forward
The update brought forward by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office would prohibit camping on county-owned property or public spaces within 1,000 feet of the river. (Reno Gazette Journal)
What we know about USPS plan to move Reno mail-processing operations to Sacramento
Proposed changes to the Reno post office on Vassar Street – including moving mail processing operations to Sacramento. The changes are part of a $40 billion investment strategy to upgrade the U.S. Postal Service network nationwide. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Sheriff gives ‘State of the Department’ speech at the Sphere
In his 2023 State of the Department address, given on Feb. 8, 2023, the then-newly sworn in McMahill spoke of the pride he has in leading Metro but also its constant need for improvement. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Consumer groups call on NV to keep rule that led to $20M in auto insurance refunds
The Nevada Department of Insurance returned $20 million to more than 160,000 drivers in the state whose premiums were increased during the pandemic because of a low or declining credit score. (Nevada Current)
Medical director of Nevada prisons not licensed as a physician in the state
The medical director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, Dr. Kenneth Williams, has no medical license in Nevada, the state’s Board of Medical Examiners confirmed Friday. (Nevada Current)
Washoe County asks USPS not to move Reno’s mail-processing operations to Sacramento
Washoe County commissioners vote to ask USPS to scrap plan to relocate Vassar Street post office’s mail-processing operations. All of Northern Nevada would be affected. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Clark County sheriff talks Metro’s highs, lows in annual address
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized achievements within the Metro Police Department and new goals for it, including an increased emphasis on reducing traffic deaths in Las Vegas, during his State of the Department address Monday. (Las Vegas Sun)
‘Disturbing:’ Leaders question Nevada K-12 budget expansion after critical audit
The 154-page report, made public during a Wednesday meeting of the Executive Branch Audit Committee, also raised concerns about funding for free lunches lapsing and a state education agency lacking power to command accountability. (The Nevada Independent)
Washoe County School Board outlines superintendent search, debate over controversial books
During the meeting, staff announced an updated timeline for the ongoing search for a new superintendent. According to that updated timeline, the board is hoping to have a final decision made on a candidate in May. (News4.com)
Juden stepping down as city manager of North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas City Manager Ryann Juden plans to step down this summer after 11 years of serving the city and six at the helm, the city announced today. (Las Vegas Sun)
Don’t call it a cyberattack: Gaming Control Board gives security update
Nevada’s gaming industry regulator discussed an incident in late January in which its public-facing website was “compromised” and briefly taken offline. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Which industry has given over $4.5M to Nevada campaigns, PACs since 2017?
The American Tort Reform Association reported that a group of 20 firms, many of which specialize in personal injury law, have contributed large dollar amounts to several candidates and political action committees over the last six years. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Federal Updates
D.C. Download: How will congressional retirements benefit the Nevada delegation?
None of Nevada’s six delegation members are planning to retire; barring a surprise retirement (or more likely an election loss), retirements represent an opportunity for them to raise their profiles within their committees. (The Nevada Independent)
Ex-FBI informant arrested in Las Vegas to remain behind bars
Although a Las Vegas federal judge released Smirnov from custody on Tuesday, he was re-arrested at his attorneys’ office on Thursday morning. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Mexico is suing U.S. gun-makers for arming its gangs, and a court could award billions in damages
The lawsuit seeks $10 billion in damages and a court order to force the companies named in the lawsuit – including Smith & Wesson, Colt, Glock, Beretta and Ruger. (Nevada Current)
Nevada Democrats to protect IVF use, join effort to codify legal right
Nevada’s Democratic members of Congress joined federal legislation that would protect access to in vitro fertilization following last week’s Alabama Supreme Court decision that could impact access to the assisted reproductive technology. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada joins federal lawsuit to block Kroger-Albertsons merger
The lawsuit said the proposed $24.6 billion merger would increase grocery prices, stifle competition and harm workers by decreasing their leverage while negotiating for fair pay and benefits. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada attorney general joins lawsuit challenging supermarket merger
Nevada’s Aaron Ford is joining several other state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission in filing a lawsuit challenging the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons. (Las Vegas Sun)
Federal funds awarded to increase Tahoe Basin broadband
The Tahoe Prosperity Center will receive $200,000 through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program to promote high speed internet in seven Nevada communities across the Lake Tahoe Basin. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada hosting 2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
In May 2024, the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals will hold its national conference in Stateline, Nevada at the new Tahoe Blue Events Center, offering opportunities to learn and network in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe. With the theme of “Stewarding People, Place, and Play,” this year’s conference offers a program that is intended to inspire, challenge, and empower the broad community of outdoor recreation professionals. (NORC)
Biden administration taps $366M to fund clean energy for Native American tribes and rural areas
The $366 million plan will pay for solar, battery storage and hydropower projects in sparsely populated regions where electricity can be costly and unreliable. The money comes from a $1 trillion infrastructure law President Joe Biden signed in 2021. (2nesw.com)
Articles of Interest
FTC sues to block Kroger-Albertsons merger, saying it could push prices higher
The Federal Trade Commission sued to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices for millions of Americans. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
‘The end of the evil real estate empire’: Lawsuit targets artificially inflated fee
A second federal class-action “copycat” lawsuit that has the potential to drastically change the residential real estate industry has been filed in Nevada. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Complaint over ‘excessive discipline’ of people of color marks start to SEIU-Clark contract talks
As SEIU Local 1107 begins contract negotiations this week for its 7,000 county employees, the union has said Clark County has withheld “vital documents” to aid in bargaining, including information on the number of people of color who have been disciplined. (Nevada Current)
In case you missed it, the price of lithium cratered spectacularly last year. In November 2022, a metric ton of lithium carbonate was priced north of $84,000. Now it’s less than $14,000, a result of weaker-than-projected demand for EVs, accompanied by additional lithium production, led by Argentina and Australia, and supply surpluses. (Nevada Current)
Small Nevada town north of Las Vegas pays big bucks for public employees
Mesquite city employees earned almost $15.7 million in gross annual wages in 2022. Among them, 47 employees took home more than $100,000 in wages, according to payroll data the Las Vegas Review-Journal obtained through a public records request. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Could Las Vegas diversify its economy with biotech?
With the expansion of UNLV, Roseman University and other entities, Las Vegas has an opportunity to attract innovative companies looking for a lower cost of doing business. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
In Nevada, daylight saving time begins March 10. Neighboring states plan to end clock-changing
The Silver State would be surrounded by non-clock-changing states unless the state legislature acts. California, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah would spring ahead permanently, while Arizona would continue not to observe DST at all. (Nevada actually would celebrate midnight on New Year’s Eve an hour after California.) (Reno Gazette Journal)
Higher interest rates, home prices result in fewer sales at start of 2024
Four years after the onset of COVID-19, housing in Nevada is still feeling the ripple effects of the pandemic as people adjust to a market that is stabilizing at a much more expensive rate than before the crisis. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada’s first regulated cannabis consumption lounge opens in Las Vegas
In the seconds before the first state-regulated cannabis consumption lounge would open at Thrive Cannabis Marketplace near the Strip, Clark County Commission Tick Segerblom prepared for the occasion. (Las Vegas Sun)
A federal court last week upheld a $5 million arbitration award in favor of a Las Vegas software forensics expert who disproved claims that China interfered in the 2020 presidential election by right-wing activist and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who falsely asserted the race had been rigged to favor President Joe Biden. (Las Vegas Sun)
Gaming equipment suppliers IGT, Everi to merge in $6.2B deal
Two major gaming equipment manufacturers — IGT and Las Vegas-based Everi Holdings Inc. — will merge in a $6.2 billion deal announced Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
IGT presence returning to Las Vegas through a $6.2B merger
The company’s slot machine and digital gaming operations will combine with Everi’s various gaming and financial technology divisions. (The Nevada Independent)
Man accused of attacking district judge arraigned
Deobra Redden, 31, was indicted on charges including attempted murder, battery, extortion by threat, intimidating a public officer, and willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Inside the rush to make Nevada the country’s lithium capital
About 6 million years ago, Rhyolite Ridge was under water. A lake about 1,000 feet deep dried up over time, leaving behind lithium- and boron-dense soil. It’s one of two deposits like it in the world. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Indy Environment: Wild horse panel convened to ‘keep the search for a solution alive’
Ideas on how to address the state’s swelling wild horse population range from boosting fertility measures to increasing federal funding for roundups. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada reps oppose plan to move key postal operations from Reno to Sacramento
Democratic Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican Rep. Mark Amodei are concerned about the plan’s impact on jobs, mail ballot-heavy elections and the economy. (The Nevada Independent)
Indy Gaming: Why Nevada has slipped to 10th for sports betting revenue
The lack of remote registration for sports betting has caused Nevada to fall in the overall rankings for sports betting states. The small population also doesn’t help. (The Nevada Independent)
Vegas Loop workers burned, report says; Boring Co. faces $100K in fines
The Boring Co. is facing more than $100,000 in fines from multiple citations tied to workplace incidents at its Vegas Loop worksite. A June 15 inspection by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration, spurred by a complaint, detailed eight citations issued to the company, mainly tied to workers being burned by accelerants used in the concrete mix being used during tunneling operations. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Group’s report takes aim at political contributions by personal injury law firms
The association reported that a group of 20 firms, many of which specialize in personal injury law, have contributed large dollar amounts to several candidates and political action committees over the last six years. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Convention attendance helps boost January visitation to Las Vegas
Visitation to Las Vegas showed a modest increase in January with a substantial boost in convention traffic, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Democratic lawmakers hammer Lombardo over ghost gun undercount
Jauregui, a Democrat, has sponsored two ghost gun bans in the Legislature. Lawmakers approved both, but the first was overturned in court. Last year, after Lombardo was elected governor, he vetoed the second ban. (The Nevada Independent)
Behavioral health facility may be opening soon in Clark County
Clark County could soon have a facility to treat individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis after commissioners approved the property’s purchase Tuesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
This $25M project will develop, conserve water at Apex in North Las Vegas
The Apex Industrial Park project has long been heralded as one that would vastly change the local job market, attracting industries from across the world and providing opportunities for Southern Nevadans outside of hospitality and tourism.(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Nevada casinos see profits slide as interest, rental costs increase
Casinos in Washoe, including in Reno-Sparks, and across Nevada saw lower returns as interest costs increased. Higher rental expenses and payrolls also pushed into casino profits in the state, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s 2023 Nevada Gaming Abstract, released last week. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Jacobs to build affordable housing downtown in Sarrazin Arms land swap deal
Jacobs Entertainment confirmed that it will construct a $20 million affordable housing development near the Gibson Apartments on West Second Street as part of an agreement with the Reno Housing Authority. (Reno Gazette Journal)
RTC Washoe denies seeking resignation of citizen’s committee member who questioned project
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County told the Reno Gazette Journal that it was not behind a letter formally demanding the resignation of Damien Cole, a member of its Citizens Multimodal Advisory Committee. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Water returns to 2021 level, but Lake Mead’s health remains fragile
Lake Mead’s water elevation climbed back to 2021 levels this month thanks to winter precipitation and resulting snow melt, but experts stress the challenges of managing the region’s water supply remain because of the hotter, drier climate that’s been persistent in the ongoing drought in the Western United States. (Las Vegas Sun)
Businesses bailing on NV because of new paid leave law, economic development officials claim
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act, better known as FMLA, is unpaid and only protects qualified workers from losing their job for 12 weeks. Nevada’s new law requires the tax-abated companies to have a paid family and medical leave policy that pays workers at least 55% of their salary for up to 12 weeks. (Nevada Current)
Election News
Days Until:
- Candidate Filing Day: 4
- Primary Election Day: 100
- General Election Day: 252
Important Dates:
- Candidate Filing Opens March 4
- Candidate Filing Closes March 15
- Primary Election June 11
- General Election November 5
Who’s running this election anyway? High turnover and threats plague election offices
RENO, Nev. ‒ Deanna Spikula lasted five years but quit amid relentless harassment, baseless accusations of treason, and death threats. (USA Today)
Nevada election officials talk staffing issues, need to combat misinformation
Nevada’s top election official pleaded with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to be proactive against the conspiracy theories and misinformation that are fueling distrust in the democratic process. (Nevada Current)
2024 Nevada U.S. Senate race: Jacky Rosen and Sam Brown nearly tied in new poll
Rosen, a Democrat, leads the Republican Brown, an Army veteran, by just under 2 percentage points: 39.6% to 38%. (Reno Gazette Journal)
GOP backs voting by mail, yet turns to courts to restrict it in battleground states
Fearing that Democrats hold a crucial edge in ballots cast before Election Day, national Republicans are working to convince their voters to take advantage of mail and early voting this year. (Nevada Current)
Nevada’s voter ID ballot initiative clears hurdle for November ballot
A Carson City judge dismissed a lawsuit attempting to block a ballot initiative that would require voter ID.(Las Vegas Review Journal)
College of Southern Nevada names ex-Rep. Ruben Kihuen to top lobbyist job
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) tapped former Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV) — who left Congress following sexual harassment allegations — as its new executive director of government affairs on Monday, multiple sources confirmed to The Nevada Independent. (The Nevada Independent)
Chatbots’ inaccurate, misleading responses about U.S. elections threaten to keep voters from polls
With presidential primaries underway across the U.S., popular chatbots are generating false and misleading information that threatens to disenfranchise voters, according to a report published Tuesday based on the findings of artificial intelligence experts and a bipartisan group of election officials. (Las Vegas Sun)
Latest polling finds Biden has work to do in Nevada
The poll, which was conducted Feb. 16-19 and questioned 1,000 would-be voters in Nevada, found that 46% of respondents favored Trump, 40% sided with Biden and 14% said they were undecided. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada’s young Latino voters feel they’re being ignored by campaigns
The Latino vote, especially in a swing state like Nevada, could be crucial in determining who is the nation’s next president, election watchers say. (Las Vegas Sun)
Exclusive: First lady Jill Biden to visit Las Vegas on Saturday
The first lady is launching a “Women for Biden-Harris” campaign Friday — coinciding with the beginning of Women’s History Month — with plans to barnstorm Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin. In Las Vegas, she plans to meet with women volunteers and discuss the stakes of the election, including health care. (The Nevada Independent)
How will Sam Brown’s new abortion stance affect Nevada’s Senate race?
The front-runner for the GOP nomination for Nevada’s Senate seat said he would not support a national abortion ban. In response, Democrats continued to label him as an anti-abortion extremist. (The Nevada Independent)
Judge allows Nevada voter ID ballot measure to move forward
Voter ID as a concept has been unsuccessfully proposed numerous times in Nevada, despite polls showing significant support for it. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada County Election Official in Charge of Controversial 2022 Hand-Count Plan Resigns
RENO, Nev. (AP) — The top elections official in a rural Nevada county roiled by false claims of widespread election fraud that led to a controversial hand-count in the 2022 midterms is resigning, according to a resignation letter the county received. (US News.com)
Nevada and Other Swing States Need More Poll Workers. Can Lawyers Help Fill the Gap?
With Nevada counties struggling to find poll workers in a pivotal election year, the top election official in the Western swing state is taking a page from his counterparts elsewhere and is asking the legal community to help fill the gap. (US News.com)
Exclusive: GOP-led nonprofit claims Clark County violated federal election law
Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections, a group co-founded by prominent Republicans including former U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, accused Clark County of prematurely deleting records and not fully complying with a public records request the group sent a year ago. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Senate Democrats in supporting
Jennifer Atlas for Senate District 5
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
5:30-7:30PM
Blue Martini Lounge
6593 Las Vegas Blvd. South Bldg. LB214
Las Vegas, NV 89119
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Re-election Filing Celebration
Assemblywomen
Selena Torres, Erica Mosca, and Cecelia Gonzalez
Wednesday, March 6th
5:00pm
10810 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 520
Las Vegas, Nevada 89315
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Campaign Kickoff for
Shelley Berkley
Saturday, March 9, 2024
1:00pm-3:00pm
John C. Fremont Middle School
1100 East St. Louis Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
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Please join our newly endorsed candidate for
Assembly District 7—
Tanya Flanagan
Thursday, March 14th at 5 pm.
Classic Jewel
353 E Bonneville Ave #111
Las Vegas, NV 89101
| The Griffin Company is a full-service public policy and government affairs consulting firm based in Nevada. We believe a complete government affairs practice must be able to effectively navigate all levels of government, both with the laws and regulations, as well as with an understanding of and sensitivity to the politics associated with each issue. The Griffin Company provides clients with the breadth of experience – local, state, and federal – that enables a comprehensive approach, integrating policy and relationships at all levels of government. |
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