The G3Wire

April 4, 2025

Governor Joe Lombardo sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, following their recent announcement of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing. In his letter, Governor Lombardo praised the launch of the unprecedented task force, while requesting representation for Nevada on the task force.  Democratic officials in 19 states — Nevada included — are suing over President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape elections across the U.S., calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states’ authority to run their own elections. And the A’s moved a step closer to starting construction on the team’s planned $1.75 billion Las Vegas ballpark after Clark County commissioners unanimously approved land use permits Wednesday. These interesting stories and lots more below!

Legislative Updates

April 11^th      First house passage deadline

June 2^nd       Sine die

How much is rain worth?  Lawmakers weigh continued funding for Desert Research Institute’s cloud seeding program

In a state where every raindrop counts, scientists in the Desert Research Institute’s Cloud Seeding Program have mastered the art of enhancing natural precipitation, transforming wispy clouds into meaningful rainfall and snowpack across Nevada’s parched landscape. (Las Vegas Sun)

Indy Explains: What are open enrollment policies, and what do Nevada lawmakers want to change?

Gov. Joe Lombardo is taking a new approach to fulfill his school choice agenda, while a bill by a Democrat would standardize existing policies. (The Nevada Independent)

Follow the Money: Real estate, development groups gave record $1.8M to Nevada legislators

It is the second straight cycle where the industry was the second-highest category of donor to state lawmakers, slotting in behind gaming groups, but this year’s haul had much more of a Republican lean than the 2022 cycle. (The Nevada Independent)

Freshman Orientation: 45-year Culinary Union career guided Linda Hunt to the Legislature

Hunt, who works as a server and enjoys striking up conversations with people from all walks of life, won a competitive Democratic primary to represent her North Las Vegas district. (The Nevada Independent)

Why some think Nevada should challenge Delaware as premier destination for corporate lawsuits

When state lawmakers talk about enticing businesses to Nevada, they are typically referring to businesses relocating or expanding operations within the state, creating new jobs, perhaps in new professions, for residents, and generating new revenue through tax collection. (Nevada Current)

After expanding to 250 schools, Nevada nonprofit pushes for more school gardens

This week’s Indy Education newsletter highlights a bill that would provide $4 million to support school gardens statewide, and a bill that would protect the rights of students with disabilities. (The Nevada Independent)

City, state officials discuss expanding Medicaid to cover medical respite for unhoused

As potential federal cuts to Medicaid loom, City of Las Vegas officials are asking state lawmakers to expand Medicaid to pay for medical respite care for unhoused people.  Senate Bill 54, heard Tuesday by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, would require the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver and amend the state Medicaid plan to cover medical respite care for people experiencing homelessness. (Nevada Current)

Fire consolidation bill criticized by Washoe County residents at legislative hearing

An amended version of the legislative bill that would consolidate fire services in the area was mostly criticized during a legislative hearing on Friday. Senate Bill 319, presented by Sen. Skip Daly, D-Washoe, would allow for the creation of a county fire protection district within Washoe County, governed by a Board of Fire Commissioners made up of two elected members from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. (thisisreno.com)

Bill would cap hospital fees in public employee health plans

A bill in the Nevada Legislature aims to reduce the cost of hospital stays for patients in the Public Employees’ Benefits Program by capping hospital fees, which proponents argue could save the state millions of dollars. (Las Vegas Review Journal) 

Dems take another swing at housing–Hail 6 bills, but veto from governor looms

Nevada Assembly Democrats highlighted their housing bills that are on the table last week. Most of them were vetoed in 2023 by Gov. Joe Lombardo, who recently warned he’s inclined to do it again. (Las Vegas Sun)

States get mixed results trying to rein in health insurers’ claim denials

Health insurance companies are under increasing scrutiny for allegedly using artificial intelligence bots and algorithms to swiftly deny patients routine or lifesaving care — without a human actually reviewing their claims. (Las Vegas Sun)

McMahill advocates for traffic cameras–Sheriff testifies in Carson City

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said about 160 people are killed on roadways in Clark County every year, three times the number who died in the Route 91 mass shooting on the Strip in 2017. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada legislation seeks to give more family control in selecting a public school

Assembly Bill 533 is a Democrat-led proposal for open enrollment that would allow children to attend a school outside of the one zoned for their home address, but only if the school has the room. (Las Vegas Sun)

Family leave bill proposes 12 weeks–Some businesses say time not right

After Andrea Martinez gave birth to her daughter, she could only take four weeks of leave — two weeks paid, two weeks unpaid. As a single mother with one income, she returned to work quickly to support her three children and sent her newborn to a daycare. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Nevada Guard gets pushback from veterans groups, fiscal analyst over court-martial bill

The Nevada National Guard faced an uphill battle Wednesday before a committee at the Legislature in Carson City. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Updates from the Governor’s Office

Governor Lombardo Advocates for Nevada Representation on Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing

Today, Governor Joe Lombardo sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, following their recent announcement of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing. In his letter, Governor Lombardo praised the launch of the unprecedented task force, while requesting representation for Nevada on the task force.(gov.nv.gov.com)

State and Local Government Updates

Pandemic boosted private school enrollment, but the boom is officially over

Private school enrollment in Nevada has dipped for the first time in four years, according to updated data released by the Nevada Department of Education. (Nevada Current)

How do Nevada senators, representatives rank for effectiveness? 5 above average, 1 below

Of Nevada’s six members of Congress, five exceeded expectations in getting bills passed during the last session — and one fell below expectations. The rankings are based on a recently released report by the Center for Effective Lawmaking that examines each two-year session of Congress. It’s a collaboration involving the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada bans transgender athletes from prep sports

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association voted Tuesday to change its policy on transgender athletes to mirror an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Athletes now must compete as the gender of their birth. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

LV budget tight due to Badlands–City Council advances tentative $2.3B proposal

Projecting a $24.9 million deficit to Las Vegas’ general fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year, city officials have called for a “belt-tightening” approach in managing the city’s finances. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

County OKs land use permits–Approvals a step toward construction of A’s ballpark on Strip

The A’s moved a step closer to starting construction on the team’s planned $1.75 billion Las Vegas ballpark after Clark County commissioners unanimously approved land use permits Wednesday. 

(Las Vegas Review Journal) 

Nevada prison system facing $53M budget hole as overtime costs spiral

The agency has long struggled to rein in overtime, but leaders say insufficient staffing and provisions in a union contract have pushed costs higher. (The Nevada Independent)

Faculty at Nevada State University vote for collective bargaining

Faculty at Nevada State University have won the right to collectively bargain after a vote resulted in a 104-8 margin in favor of the action. (Las Vegas Sun)

Federal Updates

Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding case before the Supreme Court could limit patients’ choices

U.S. Supreme Court justices will hear arguments Wednesday about whether South Carolina can remove Planned Parenthood clinics from the state’s Medicaid program because they offer abortions in a case that could imperil health care options for patients with low incomes. (Nevada Current)

Trump’s tariff push is a race against time, and potential voter backlash

President Donald Trump’s expansive new tariffs flips on its head a decades-long global trend of lower trade barriers and is likely, economists say, to raise prices for Americans by thousands of dollars each year while sharply slowing the U.S. economy. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada joins lawsuit to restore slashed COVID funding

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is fighting back against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for canceling $11.4 billion in COVID-19-related funds, joining a lawsuit Tuesday with a coalition of other Democratic attorneys general against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for eliminating the funding. (Las Vegas Sun)

With Trump’s tariffs, the chasm between allies and the U.S. widens

BRUSSELS — President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs on America’s trading partners has widened the rift between the United States and some of its closest allies while reconfiguring the global economic order. (Las Vegas Sun)

Health funding cutbacks blocked–States sued for grants allocated by Congress

A federal judge will temporarily block President Donald Trump’s administration from cutting billions in federal dollars that support COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects throughout the country. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Schools ordered to sign certification against DEI

WASHINGTON — As a condition for receiving federal money, the Trump administration is ordering K-12 schools to certify that they are following federal civil rights laws and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion practices. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Trump admin freezes $29M in unspent COVID aid to Nevada schools

The federal funds were going toward technology upgrades and expanding mental health services in Nevada schools. (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada taxpayers receive seventh-largest tax refunds in US, analysis finds

About 42% of U.S. taxpayers are also depending on their tax refund to help with their finances, including paying debt. (Reno Gazette Journal)

USPS changes to mail delivery happening this month, here’s how Nevada could be affected

You might notice some of your mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service arriving slower than normal starting in April. This month, multiple changes are happening at the USPS with more coming later this year. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada Humanities ‘fighting for survival’ after DOGE cuts to humanities councils

The Trump administration announced funding cuts for humanities councils while also eyeing staff reductions at the National Endowment for the Humanities. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Election News Updates

GOP video game composer Marty O’Donnell announces another run at Susie Lee’s seat The Halo composer, who came in fourth in 2024 primary despite Lombardo’s backing, said he will   drop out if President Donald Trump endorses another candidate. (The Nevada Independent)

Capital Chatter

Democratic officials in 19 states — Nevada included — are suing over President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape elections across the U.S., calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states’ authority to run their own elections. (Las Vegas Review Journal) 

Nevada, other states sue to block Trump’s election order, saying it violates the Constitution

Nevada’s attorney general and secretary of state defended their state’s elections as fair, secure and transparent. (The Nevada Independent)

Articles of Interest

Grand Sierra Resort quietly seeks public financing, legislative help for basketball arena

The company did not mention it wanted taxpayer help at a public event in 2023. Competitors think the area isn’t blighted enough to warrant redevelopment funds.  (The Nevada Independent)

CCFD seeks $3.9 million for Prison Hill fire prevention

Supervisors will be asked Thursday to ratify a grant application for the U.S. Forest Service’s fiscal year 2025 Community Wildfire Defense Grant. (Nevada Appeal)

How will the A’s and MLB reshape West Sacramento life beyond the field?

Starting today, thousands of people will pack into Sutter Health Park on A’s game days, funneling new dollars into city coffers and local businesses. (Las Vegas Sun)

Nevada leads in water reuse–Study ranks states along Colo. River

When it comes to recycling the most precious resource in the Colorado River Basin, Nevada blows the other six states out of the water, a new report has confirmed. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Whoa Canada. Slowdown in north of the border visitation to Las Vegas worries analysts

In this week’s Indy Gaming, we explore how the trade war with Canada is hurting visitation to the Strip. Also, casino revenue slipped in February. (The Nevada Independent)