May 24, 2024
This weekend we will all pause to remember the men and women who have so valiantly served this country and preserved our freedom by making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you will never be enough to say to those who have given so much for each and every one of us. Hope you all have a safe and memorable Memorial Day!
Election news is dominating the headlines again, ahead of Nevada’s June 11 primary election, Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar outlined new guidance around when counties should start tabulating votes in order to make sure results are released as soon as possible. Early voting for the 2024 Primary Election starts Saturday morning, and the Carson City Clerk-Recorder’s Office is expecting a big turnout for voters tasked with whittling down Republican, Democrat and nonpartisan candidates. The June 11 primary includes several offices: federal, state and local. The coalition behind an initiative petition to codify abortion protections in the Nevada constitution said it collected more than 200,000 signatures to qualify for November. Exciting announcements for the state from Governor Joe Lombardo and many more Nevada news updates below!
Updates from the Governor’s Office
Governor Lombardo Announces $250 Million to Nevada Middle Mile Network
Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) today announced the creation of the Nevada Middle Mile Network. (gov.nv.gov)
Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) approved two companies that will receive $35,321,637 in tax abatements. In return, these companies are projected to create 272 jobs in the next two years at an average hourly wage of $41.26. That figure is expected to grow to 290 jobs in five years. Additionally, these companies will make a capital equipment investment of $286,554,222 and generate $56,495,755in new tax revenues over the 10-year abatement period. (gov.nv.gov)
State and Local Government Updates
Nevada’s parks, wildlife projects likely to benefit from $350M in federal land sales
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on what environmental projects should benefit from nearly $350 million in funds raised through Nevada land sales. (The Nevada Independent)
The complaint alleges that Telles created a hostile work environment for all of the women, discriminating against Reid due to her age and retaliating against other employees when they filed complaints or failed to reciprocate his alleged sexual advances. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
For the next school year, CCSD students in sixth through 12th grades won’t have access to the internet on their cellphones on campus. They also must wear ID badges at school. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Citing ‘unacceptable behavior’ of UNLV leadership, major donor decides to pull funding
The relationship between UNLV and one of its top donors broke down this week, with the benefactor, Las Vegas’ Engelstad Foundation, pulling millions of dollars that would have gone toward planned expansions of the medical campus. (Las Vegas Sun)
A coalition of UNLV students and community organizers decried gun violence Tuesday morning near the site of a campus shooting that killed three professors in December. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
County to appeal judge’s order in Gypsum Resources case
Clark County will likely challenge a District Court judge’s decision in the ongoing litigation with Gypsum Resources to the state Supreme Court.(Las Vegas Review Journal)
Members of Las Vegas’ Jewish community called on UNLV and the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents to take action on what they see as a rise of antisemitic incidents on UNLV’s campus. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Federal Updates
D.C. Download: Nevada delegation leaves their mark on FAA bill
Several delegation members got their priorities for drones, passengers with disabilities into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill. (The Nevada Independent)
Biden to announce 1 million claims granted for VA benefits under toxic exposure law
The law, approved with broad bipartisan support following years of advocacy by veterans, their families and service organizations, has also led to more than 145,000 people enrolling in health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Nevada Current)
Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden’s push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions
“DEA has not yet made a determination as to its views of the appropriate schedule for marijuana,” reads a sentence tucked 13 pages into Garland’s 92-page order last Thursday outlining the Biden administration proposal to shift pot from its current Schedule I alongside heroin and LSD to the less tightly regulated Schedule III with such drugs as ketamine and some anabolic steroids. (Las Vegas Sun)
With either Trump or Biden, US poised to preserve heavy tariffs on imports
WASHINGTON — As president, Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on foreign steel, which hurt Clips & Clamps Industries, a Michigan auto supplier — raising its materials prices, making it harder to compete with overseas rivals and costing it several contracts. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Horsford Names Yvanna Cancela as Chief of Staff
NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) has named Yvanna Cancela as Chief of Staff for his office. Cancela brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, most recently serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, for state and local government officials. (X)
Horsford Introduces Bill to Improve Transparency in Affordable Housing
Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, introduced the Housing Market Transparency Act to expand data availability about the Low- Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. (horsford.house.gov/media)
Nevada joins suit to break up Ticketmaster’s alleged monopoly
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced that the state is joining the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit seeking to break up Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, for having “illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry and increased the prices for live shows in Nevada and around the country.” (The Nevada Independent)
DOJ sues Live Nation, affiliate Ticketmaster
The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday filed an antitrust lawsuit against entertainment giant Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its Ticketmaster sales affiliate, seeking to break up the company it alleges is operating as a monopoly. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Bipartisan border bill loses support, fails procedural vote in U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate failed Thursday to advance a border security bill as both parties seek to hone their messages on immigration policy in the runup to November’s elections. The Senate bill failed to advance on a 43-50 procedural vote. (Nevada Current)
Articles of Interest
Las Vegas Grand Prix chief operating officer departs after five months
Betsy Fretwell, who took over as the chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in January, announced her departure from the race on Friday, saying she was returning to her private consulting business. (The Nevada Independent)
Watchdogs: BLM quietly rerouted transmission line, favoring mining over national monument
Conservation and watchdog groups are questioning the Bureau of Land Management’s willingness to reroute an NV Energy transmission line around a potential mine site but not a Southern Nevada national monument. (The Nevada Independent)
‘Biggest cheerleader in CCSD’ has gently guided students for decades
Edgar Thomas leads security for the Clark County School District at prep events, working feverishly behind the scenes to ensure operations are running smoothly. (Las Vegas Sun)
Walker River Tribe gets final $2.4M needed for clean water infrastructure project
But after seven years of lobbying, the Walker River Paiute Tribe now has the funding it needs for a $12 million water system improvement project to secure a reliable and sustainable water supply for well users on the tribe’s reservation. (Nevada Current)
Southern Nevada food insecurity increased last year, Three Square says
Food insecurity climbed across Southern Nevada last year with an estimated one in five children uncertain where their next meal is coming from, according to the latest findings from Three Square Food Bank. (Nevada Current)
‘You’re going to the Super Bowl’: Top library officials accept perk from NFL, ask for more
Two top Las Vegas-Clark County Library District employees accepted free Super Bowl tickets worth thousands of dollars each and requested a third ticket, potentially violating the district’s conflict-of-interest policy. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
After years of Democratic dominance, Nevada could be slipping from Biden’s grasp
The Silver State hasn’t supported a Republican presidential candidate since George W. Bush in 2004, but polls this year so far show Donald Trump with a lead. (Washington Post)
‘They’re coming’: A’s non-relocation plan would tie team to Vegas for 30 years
The Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Thursday got a look at the Oakland Athletics’ draft plan that would tie the team to play in Las Vegas for at least 30 years. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Northern Nevada HOPES expands medical, mental health services in Reno-Sparks area
Northern Nevada HOPES will celebrate the grand opening of its 43,000-square-foot Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center Tuesday in downtown Reno. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Medicaid ‘unwinding’: Did 260,000 Nevadans get disenrolled?
Eligible beneficiaries who were disenrolled from Medicaid must re-enroll within 60 days to get continuous benefits and avoid a gap in coverage. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Deadline nears for public input on proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine project
Ioneer project southwest of Tonopah has seen pushback over concerns involving Tiehm’s buckwheat. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Miriam Adelson’s Unfinished Business
What does the eighth richest woman in the world want? (Intelligencer nymag.com)
Group gathers at Biden-Harris NLV headquarters to protest. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Indy Gaming: F1 will share Grand Prix race weekend with the Raiders
Tourism leader says Las Vegas can accommodate both events. Also, in Northern Nevada changes are taking place at two Sparks casinos. (The Nevada Independent)
Commissioners discuss F1 business licensing
The Las Vegas Grand Prix headquarters on Koval Lane and Harmon Avenue has been operational for the past year without a permanent business license. Tuesday morning, the Clark County Commission started the process to change that. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Sierra Nevada Corp. confirms Air Force ‘Doomsday plane’ contract. Here’s what it could look like
Sierra Nevada Corp. officially confirms that it has landed the deal for the Air Force’s next generation E-4B Night watch replacement aircraft. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Indy Environment: Nevada officials seek less red tape to bring in help to fight wildfires
Nevada is one just a handful of states that never entered an interstate wildfire compact. Now, state officials are looking to join. (The Nevada Independent)
Investors are buying up Las Vegas homes again. Here’s why
Investor purchases are on the rise again, and the Las Vegas Valley has seen one of the biggest upticks in the country, according to Redfin. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
A free-market environmental group has recommended expanding a Bureau of Land Management wild horse and burro adoption program that it says is saving taxpayers millions of dollars a year. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Culinary contract fight with Virgin heats up, but no Memorial Day strike planned
Union leaders said the workers won’t hold another temporary walkout this weekend while both sides criticize the latest salary and benefits proposals. (The Nevada Independent)
How officials are grappling with overcrowding at Tahoe’s Sand Harbor
Designed for a maximum of 1,200 visitors per day, Nevada’s most popular state park often attracts more than 3,000. (The Nevada Independent)
42 acres of UNLV property could get 99-year lease. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election News
Important Dates
Primary Early Voting May 25 Days Until: 1
Primary Election June 11 Days Until: 18
General Election November 5 Days Until: 165
Presidential Preference Primary Turnout Reporting
Mail Ballot and EASE ballot daily reporting will begin on April 29, 2024, through June 18, 2024
- EASE Ballot Submissions (Updated 5/20/2024 at 5:00 p.m.) – HERE.
- Mail Ballot Information Report (Updated 5/20/2024 at 6:00 p.m.) – HERE.
- Mail Ballot and EASE Cumulative Turnout Report (Update 5/20/2024 at 6:00 p.m.) – HERE.
Election 2024: 2 candidates challenging Rosen in US Senate primary. One lives in California
Sen. Jacky Rosen is Nevada’s most formidable candidate as she seeks to be re-elected and help Democrats nationally maintain control of the U.S. Senate. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Anatomy of a political breakup: Why the Culinary Union unendorsed Democratic lawmakers
While the union has diverged from Democrats on other issues, recent tensions stem from the repeal of a 2020 COVID-era law that mandated frequent room cleaning. (The Nevada Independent)
Can Biden, Nevada Democrats convince voters they’re the party of housing?
Voters are increasingly identifying the high costs of rent, mortgages as an electoral concern. (The Nevada Independent)
Sen. Rosen gets support of two Nevada police groups for reelection
Supporting Sen. Jacky Rosen is a “no brainer,” according to the head of one of two Nevada public safety officer unions, touting the senator as “consistent” in her police support and giving their endorsement in this year’s election. (Las Vegas Sun)
Rosen, Lee make list of most bipartisan members of Congress
Jacky Rosen ranked as the 6th most bipartisan senator, and Susie Lee ranked as the 7th most bipartisan member of the House, according to rankings compiled by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Both are running for reelection in what are expected to be close races, the Nevada Current reports. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Republican challenging Nevada Senate majority leader has ties to far-right Christian group
The Nevada Senate Republican Caucus-backed candidate hoping to unseat Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro describes herself on her website as having “a pragmatic and results-oriented approach” but has previously identified herself as a member of a right-wing Christian organization. (Nevada Current)
Abortion protections initiative receives 200K signatures to make November ballot
The coalition behind an initiative petition to codify abortion protections in the Nevada constitution said it collected more than 200,000 signatures to qualify for November. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Pro-abortion alliance: Enough signatures to qualify for ballot
The coalition behind efforts to put abortion protections on the ballot in November announced they submitted more than 200,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Abortion rights activists believe they have enough signatures to get measure on ballot
Group awaits signature verification after submitting more than twice the number needed for ballot proposal to enshrine rights into the state’s Constitution.(The Nevada Independent)
2024 Primary Election Guide: Q&As with the candidates on Washoe residents’ ballots
The Reno Gazette Journal interviewed the candidates who will be on Washoe County residents’ primary election ballot in federal, state, county and city races. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Election 2024 guide: Goulding, Velto in Democratic primary for Nevada Assembly District 27
Whoever wins – Heather Goulding or Alex Velto – will have a good shot at prevailing in November because Democrats have a 10 percentage-point advantage over Republicans among registered voters in their district. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Indy Education: Who are teacher unions backing in education races?
In this week’s Indy Education newsletter, read about the Clark County School Board and State Board of Education candidates the state’s two largest teachers’ unions are backing. (The Nevada Independent)
With three weeks to go until the June primary election, Nevada Senate candidate Sam Brown is supported by more than half of Republican primary voters and has a 38-percentage point lead over his next closest opponent, according to a new internal poll commissioned by the Brown campaign and shared with The Nevada Independent. (The Nevada Independent)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Makes His Case—And Airs His Grievances Plus: Nevada Democrats are relying on a juiced ground game for November. Scroll down for the Nevada part. (Thedispatch.com)
Coalition of Trump backers attacks Democrat running for state assembly by comparing her to Trump
The attack mailer was distributed by Nevadans for Economic Opportunity, which describes itself as a coalition of trade organizations standing together “to oppose the progressive left and pro public union growth in Nevada that is pushing aggressively anti-business policies in our state legislature.” (Nevada Current)
Trump shares video suggesting he’d create ‘unified Reich;’ campaign blames staffer
Donald Trump is under fire after a video shared Monday on his Truth Social account appears to suggest he’d create a “unified Reich” if he is reelected in November. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
What’s behind mailers accusing state Senate candidate of ‘targeting’ woman?
Allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior are notable given that the Legislature has weathered its own share of sexual harassment allegations. (The Nevada Independent)
Where Nevada residents can early vote for the 2024 Primary Election
Early voting starts Saturday, May 25 and ends Friday, June 7. The full list of voting locations in Clark County could be found here. Other counties are also included such as: Churchill, Carson City, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe and White Pine. (fox5news.com)
Early voting starts Saturday for primary election
Early voting for the 2024 Primary Election starts Saturday morning, and the Carson City Clerk-Recorder’s Office is expecting a big turnout for voters tasked with whittling down Republican, Democrat and nonpartisan candidates. (Nevada Appeal)
Election 2024 guide: Here are the candidates for the Nevada State Board of Education
It’s a race of four vying for a spot on the Nevada System of Higher Education board in District 2. (Reno Gazette Journal)
NV secretary of state announces changes in ballot counting timetable
Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar announced a new Election Day timeline Wednesday for counting ballots for the Nevada primary and general election. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Disillusionment leads newcomers to challenge Henderson council incumbents
Challenges to incumbents are rare in Henderson, but Larson and a handful of others are hoping to break the hold by ousting Seebock, Shaw, and Stewart in the general election, if not the primary. The council races are non-partisan. (Nevada Current)
What’s behind mailers accusing state Senate candidate of ‘targeting’ woman?
Allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior are notable given that the Legislature has weathered its own share of sexual harassment allegations. (The Nevada Independent)
Top GOP super PAC not spending in Vegas-area House races, breaking from past cycles
Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), the House Republican leadership-connected super PAC dedicated to growing the GOP’s majority, announced its initial fall ad reservations Wednesday — a sizable $141 million buy across the nation. (The Nevada Independent)
The legal and increasingly costly dispute between the city of Las Vegas and the would-be housing developer of the defunct Badlands golf course took center stage during a mayoral candidate forum attended by 10 candidates Wednesday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Swing State Project: May 23, 2024 Toplines
The Swing State Project is a collaboration between The Cook Political Report and two pollsters, BSG and GS Strategy Group. Below are the toplines from the May 2024 poll. In total, 3,969 likely voters across seven swing states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) completed the survey. (cookpolitical.com)
GOP pollster: Sam Brown still leads Nevada Senate primary
With three weeks to go until the June primary election, Nevada Senate candidate Sam Brown is supported by more than half of Republican primary voters and has a 38-percentage point lead over his next closest opponent, according to a new internal poll commissioned by the Brown campaign and shared with The Nevada Independent (Elkodaily.com)
Race that could decide control of Nevada Senate features testy Democratic primary
State Senate District 5, which covers parts of Henderson, is considered the most flippable seat this year for Democrats, who are currently one senator shy of a supermajority in the Legislature’s upper chamber. Securing a supermajority in both chambers would allow the majority party to override any gubernatorial veto, of which there have been dozens. (Nevada Current)
Political novice out fundraising Bilbray-Axelrod in Democratic primary for Clark County Commission
Hunter Cain, a veterans advocate who works in the military department of Grand Canyon University, is winning the money race against Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod in the Democratic primary for Clark County Commission District C, which is being vacated by Democrat Ross Miller. (Nevada Current)
Nevada Secretary of State outlines timeline for counting primary election ballots
Ahead of Nevada’s June 11 primary election, Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar outlined new guidance around when counties should start tabulating votes in order to make sure results are released as soon as possible. (Nevada Current)
2024 Primary Election Guide: Q&As with the candidates on Washoe residents’ ballots
The Reno Gazette Journal interviewed the candidates who will be on Washoe County residents’ primary election ballot in federal, state, county and city races. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Fundraiser to Support
Edgar Flores Senate District 2
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
5:30-7:30PM
The Composers Room
953 E. Sahara Ave. #E-1A
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
______________________________
Fundraiser to Support
Assemblywoman Angie Taylor for Senate District 15
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
5:30-7:00PM
Home of Rick &Cathy Trachok
Full Address with RSVP
Reno, NV
Please reach out to berrer@nvsenatedems.com if you plan to attend.
| 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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