The G3Wire

August 24, 2024

This week in Nevada, former President Donald Trump made his fourth visit to Las Vegas touting his proposal to remove taxes on tipped wages while repeating his typical freewheeling campaign messaging and attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign stop in Las Vegas. With Las Vegas drawing the Super Bowl, Las Vegas Grand Prix and more large events in recent years, Clark County commissioners moved to create a more uniformed structure regarding the approval of such happenings. And a proposed film tax credit program overhaul would be the key to develop a film and television industry in Southern Nevada. These news links and so much more below!

State and Local Government Updates

Nevada’s first toll road proposed in Sparks, requires Nevada Legislature approval

The Sparks city manager’s office proposed a bill draft request to send to the Legislature for a 13-mile toll road to be built between Spanish Springs and the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Reno-Tahoe International Airport sells $238.3 million in bonds for key expansion

The bonds, which represent the first major debt for the airport ‘for some time,’ is necessary for the billion-dollar MoreRNO expansion project, airport authority says. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Lawmaker suggests Tahoe planning agency not exerting its power over developers 

State Sen. Skip Daly, a Democrat who represents Washoe County, suggested Friday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency needs to exert its wide-ranging authority to extract concessions from developers seeking approval of projects at Lake Tahoe. (Nevada Current)

Clark County approves creation of sports and special events department

On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved amending a county ordinance to create a sports and special events department aimed at creating a preliminary review and approval process for proposed high-impact special events. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Metro presents enhanced report on jail deaths after Sun probe

A Las Vegas Sun probe that found none of the five jails in Clark County were adhering to a state oversight law has forced officials to update their methods in accountability reporting. (Las Vegas Sun)

How Nevada aims to increase vocational education

Nevada universities and organizations are offering several nontraditional programs to push more students into high-demand, skilled-trade career fields. (The Nevada Independent)

Lawyers’ payment of $ 500K approved–Public pays more for Badlands cases

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved paying up to $500,000 to outside lawyers aiding city attorneys in lawsuits related to the defunct Badlands golf course. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Henderson City Council OKs $15M to build new preschool

The Henderson City Council approved over $15 million in funding Tuesday to build a new preschool.In a unanimous vote, the council approved $15,387,528 to fund construction for a new early childhood education center. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Las Vegas labor union allegedly defrauded by Fiore

An indictment alleged that Laborers Local 872 and its trust gave $10,000 to Fiore to fund a fallen officer’s memorial, but the money was redirected to repay another donor whom Fiore allegedly defrauded. (The Nevada Independent)

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)

Lombardo decries ‘misinformation’ over free school meals in open letter

The governor reiterated that more than 80 percent of students are eligible for free meals and said “every student in need can receive free school meals.” (The Nevada Independent)

Records list more statue donors–Ex-councilwoman accused of funds misuse

Donors to the statue project that led to ex-Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore’s federal wire fraud indictment included Gov. Joe Lombardo and a local union, state records and a new court filing indicate. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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.  (Nevada Current)

Segerblom wants county empowered to take over unsafe apartment properties

Clark County commissioners want legislation that would give them more teeth when dealing with property owners who neglect to fix their deteriorating apartment properties.  (Nevada Current)look

Federal Updates

Records request reveals opposition to ‘insane’ and ‘devastating’ USPS Reno mail plans

Starting in a few months, USPS expects to move its Processing and Distribution Center on Vassar Street to Sacramento as part of a nationwide modernization plan that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says will save money and make the postal service more efficient. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Federal funds for community solar in NV slowly trickling in

On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Nevada Clean Energy Fund could start using a $156 million “Solar for All” federal grant designed to support community solar projects that benefit low-income households. (Nevada Current)

A look at how federal plans could make the costs of housing more affordable 

As renters and would-be homeowners struggle with the high cost of housing, the Biden administration has announced policies to address this strain on household budgets. (Nevada Current)

Fed discussed September rate cut–Agreement if inflation continues to cool

WASHINGTON — Most Federal Reserve officials agreed last month that they would probably cut their benchmark interest rate at their next meeting in September as long as inflation continued to cool. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Articles of Interest

Project ’25 involves Nevada–Disputed plan revives nuke test readiness, revisits waste site

A conservative set of policy proposals has become one of Democrats’ main criticisms of a potential second Trump presidency, and although the former president has tried to distance himself from the controversial project, it continues to weigh down his campaign. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

F1 launches interactive road map–Drivers can view week’s infrastructure work

The Las Vegas Grand Prix has launched a new interactive online road work map Monday, aimed at allowing motorists to plan their commutes in advance around potential race-related construction.  (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Tax credits jolt green energy upgrades for Las Vegas homeowners

When William Huggins heard that Congress was considering the Inflation Reduction Act, he sent emails and signed petitions in support. Today, he’s among the first Las Vegas homeowners to reap the economic benefits. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Ex-politician due to testify in his trial in killing of Las Vegas investigative journalist

Telles, an attorney who was once the county administrator of unclaimed estates, has been jailed for almost two years while preparing for trial. (The Nevada Independent)

Vegas film studio planned–Warner Bros. would commit $8.5B if tax credits approved

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to expand into Southern Nevada through a long-term commitment to run a film studio in the southwest valley — but the plan is contingent on the expansion of a film tax credit program. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Nevada first for BetMGM users–App wagers now in-state and MGM markets

It took several years of planning and multiple appearances before gaming regulators all over the country, but BetMGM, the sports wagering arm of MGM Resorts International, on Wednesday will debut a feature that no other sports-betting app in Nevada provides. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Culinary union strikes deal–Local 226 has agreement with operators of Venetian, Palazzo

Culinary Local 226 said Tuesday it has reached a tentative labor agreement with the operators of The Venetian and Palazzo, a major step toward the first union contract for more than 4,000 hospitality workers at the two Las Vegas Strip casino-resorts. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Indy Gaming: Why Texas is (for now) not likely to legalize sports betting

Texas is on Las Vegas Sands’ radar once again for casino legalization. However, advisory firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming said the company is hurting sports betting legalization efforts in the state. (The Nevada Independent)

Vegas stadium officials hope to wrap A’s ballpark contracts by December

Las Vegas Stadium Authority officials hope to have all agreements surrounding a $1.5 billion ballpark completed by December including an understanding of the A’s financial commitment. (The Nevada Independent)

Claims, ‘I’m innocent’–Testimony uninterrupted by defense lawyer

Several veteran lawyers said they have never seen the type of testimony delivered by former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles on Wednesday, when he spoke to jurors for about 90 minutes in his own murder trial over the killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Amazon’s AI spending keeps stock from joining tech rebound

Amazon’s stock performance has lagged its mega-cap peers since its earnings report at the beginning of August, when the e-commerce giant signaled to investors that it would be prioritizing spending on artificial intelligence computing. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Legacy of discrimination spurs Trump’s attacks on Harris’ father

Lately, dispersed among his increasingly unhinged rants, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has attacked Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ father, referring to him as a “Marxist” and challenging voters to ask, “what (Kamala Harris’) ideology is” as though she is a sleeper agent programmed by her father decades ago. (Las Vegas Sun)

Warner Bros. pledges massive Nevada expansion if lawmakers expand film tax credit

The entertainment studio promised $8.5 billion in investments over 17 years, contingent upon the expansion of film tax credits in the Silver State. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada Gold Mines completes 200 MW solar project 

Nevada Gold Mines has completed construction of a 200-megawatt solar plant adjacent to its TS Power Plant near Dunphy in Eureka County. (The Nevada Independent)

‘We’re looking for a lifeline;’ Nevada’s only Native youth shelter at risk of closing

Following a “surprising policy change,” leaders of the Fallon Shoshone-Paiute Tribe said a federal agency cut off the shelter’s main funding source. (The Nevada Independent)

‘Where are you?’ wife texts–Prosecutors end cross-examination in RJ reporter’s killing

A prosecutor ended his cross-examination of former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles by showing the defendant a simple text message, sent from his wife’s Apple watch. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Sony: Overhaul film tax credit—CEO at economic forum talks of facility in LV

A proposed film tax credit program overhaul would be the key to develop a film and television industry in Southern Nevada, the president and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment said Thursday. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Six‘ social equity’ applicants awarded prospective licenses for cannabis lounges

Six prospective licenses for cannabis consumption lounges reserved for social equity applicants were issued today after a random drawing was conducted by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. (Las Vegas Sun)

Film studios love Nevada – just so long as they get hundreds of millions in tax credits

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Howard Hughes Company are hoping to build a 31-acre production studio as part of a 100-acre mixed-use development in Summerlin. It would be, according to Sony Pictures Chair and CEO Tony Vinciquerra, the company’s only studio outside of the Los Angeles area and a boon for the Las Vegas economy. (Nevada Current)

Widespread copper theft drives Las Vegas to try solar streetlights

In an effort to outmaneuver copper wire thieves, Clark County has launched a pilot project in east Las Vegas to replace traditional copper-rich streetlights with solar power. (Nevada Current)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting                                      October 19^th                Days Until: 56

General Election                                             November 5^th              Days Until: 73

Trump to promote tax-less tips Friday in trip to Vegas

Former President Donald Trump is returning to Las Vegas on Friday for the first time since his assassination attempt.  Trump’s Las Vegas event is focused on his campaign promise to nix taxes on tips, according to the former president’s campaign (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Trump promises to ‘save’ America with lofty, vague, legally dubious policies

The way former President Donald Trump tells it, the United States is a “crime-ridden mess” with “the worst border in the history of the world,” simultaneously headed for the next Great Depression and World War III. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Hero’s welcome—‘Ready to vote for freedom?’ Biden lauds Harris at DN

CHICAGO — President Joe Biden took center stage to rapturous applause at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night to make the case why his second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris, should be the next president. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Horsford, Democrats stress importance of mobilizing Black vote in fall elections

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep Steven Horsford, D-Nev., was direct when addressing the Democratic National Committee’s Black Caucus during the first day of the Democratic National Convention about the stakes of November’s election. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada Supreme Court declines to decide whether Washoe commissioners violated election law

On Monday, the court declined to answer. It said Aguilar’s question was moot because the Washoe County Commission eventually approved the election results. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Lawmakers propose bill allowing rural counties to create their own election departments

The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections met Friday to approve its bill draft requests (BDRs) for the 2025 session, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 3. The committee, which is made up of five Democrats and three Republicans, voted to sponsor four new proposals and reintroduce two bills that were vetoed by Gov. Joe Lombardo in 2023, according to Nevada Current. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Harris opens 8 point lead among Nevada women as Trump leads overall, poll finds

Nevada women are turning toward Vice President Kamala Harris, although former President Donald Trump still has a slight edge in the Silver State, according to a new poll. (Reno Gazette Journal)

These Right-Wing Groups Are Trying to Remove Millions of Voters Around the Country

In June, a nascent right-wing group in Nevada sent more than a thousand names to 10 county clerks and registrars in an attempt to get them purged from the state’s voter registration. There’s similar efforts underway in Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and dozens of other states.  (Democracydocket.com)

Nevada’s Democratic Congress members attend DNC — except one

Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen will not be attending the convention alongside Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, and Reps. Susie Lee, Dina Titus and Steven Horsford. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Obamas rally DNC–Former president, ex-first lady urge party unity

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama headlined the second night of the Democratic National Convention, calling for unity and for Democrats to knock on doors for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Harris unveils policy proposals to address affordable housing crisis

The proposals build off plans pushed by President Joe Biden by calling for more home construction and greater financial relief for homeowners. (The Nevada Independent)

How Nevada colleges and universities are encouraging students to vote

UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College are launching programs this fall that aim to increase turnout and make it easier for college students to vote. (The Nevada Independent)

Senator spotlights Harris–Cortez Masto at Democratic convention: ‘She is a strong leader’

CHICAGO — Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto took the Democratic National Convention stage Wednesday night to stump for Vice President Kamala Harris and highlight the importance of the Silver State in the election. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Election measures for 2025 devised–Filing costs among proposals offered

Nevada lawmakers will consider increasing filing costs for primary presidential candidates next year and allowing individual, less populous counties to establish their own office of registrar of voters to lighten workloads. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Speculation rises that RFK Jr. will drop bid, endorse Trump

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak Friday “about the present historical moment and his path forward,” his campaign announced Wednesday, fueling growing speculation that Kennedy could drop out and support Republican nominee Donald Trump. (Las Vegas Sun)

Harris-Walz ticket sharpens contrast with Trump-Vance on healthcare

Walz, a 60-year-old former high school teacher and football coach, has a record of supporting left-leaning health care initiatives during his two terms as governor and while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevadans at the DNC: Young Democrats make waves at convention, hope to keep Harris surging to election win

CHICAGO — Long before this week’s Democratic National Convention brought thousands of delegates to the United Center, Las Vegas native Carolyn Salvador Avila was a preteen with little interest in politics. (Las Vegas Sun)

Democrats in Chicago hope to turn the senior tide toward new guard Harris, Walz

Securing the senior vote — one of the most politically active demographics in the country — has long been a priority for Democrats and Republicans alike. During Wednesday’s meeting, the council discussed topics like protecting Social Security, strengthening Medicare and securing the senior vote — emphasizing the difference just a few votes could have on the entire election. (Las Vegas Sun)

Harris makes case–Lays out positions while accepting party’s nomination

CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted her party’s presidential nomination on Thursday, giving her biggest speech yet and providing a clearer view on what her foreign policy would look like. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Voters’ rights group restarts Nevada league

The League of Women Voters relaunched its Nevada state league Thursday following its dissolution in 2020 after the voters’ rights group’s national branch accused the state’s former leadership of multiple policy violations. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Harris, party faithful focus on reproductive rights as election-winning formula

CHICAGO — Mini Timmaraju, the president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, told attendees at the Democratic National Convention that “when abortion is on the ballot, we win.” (Las Vegas Sun)

Trump jumps off script from start at border wall event

Former President Donald Trump went to the southern border to paint Vice President Kamala Harris as responsible for a migrant crisis as he and the Democratic presidential nominee’s allies traded barbs Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

D.C. Download: Three Nevada takeaways from the DNC

A train of up-and-coming Democratic stars stopped by the Nevada delegation’s breakfasts in Chicago this week to address the Silver State delegates whose influence will be paramount come the next competitive Democratic presidential primary.

In Vegas, Trump touts proposal to end taxes on tipped wages

The former president also called Vice President Kamala Harris a “flip-flopper” and “copycat” for echoing the pledge to end taxes on tips.(The Nevada Independent)

2025 Legislative Session Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3^rd                Days Until: 161

2025 Legislative Session – Bill Draft Requests

Currently, 342 bill draft requests (BDRs) have been submitted to the Legislative Counsel Bureau by legislators, committees, state agencies, and local governments. August 1 was the first deadline for current legislators to submit a portion of their allotted BDRs. September 1 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.