FEBRUARY 2023
New Governor, New Session, New Budget
I
T’S THAT TIME AGAIN WHEN YOUR RAN TEAM TURNS OUR FOCUS TO THE Nevada Legislative Building to monitor and advocate for business. This year presents a new challenge for state leaders with a new Republican governor leading a Democraticmajority legislature to agree on policy and a state budget with available funds far exceeding the norm. In his first State of the State address on January 23rd, Governor Lombardo outlined an aggressive agenda that would use the budget surplus to invest in strengthening the state’s position, not expand existing programs. Other highlights from his budget include: l Lower taxes for consumers at the gas pumps l Lower taxes for businesses through modified business tax reductions and raising the commerce tax exemption l A budget increase for K-12 education of 22 percent from the current biennium to increase per-pupil funding with a promise that
By Bryan Wachter
Bryan Wachter if he doesn’t see net results, he will call for changes in two years. l A rollback of many of the COVID-era voting reforms, including a reduction in mailed ballots and a requirement for any mailed ballot to be returned by 5pm on Election Day l Delegate the authority of redistrict to an independent, nonpartisan commission l Bonuses for state employees The video of the address can be viewed here: https:// www.leg.state.nv.us/ Video/ When the camera turned to the Democratic rebuttal, Speaker-elect Steve Yeager
was quick to remind viewers of the Democratic control of both the Assembly and Senate and taking credit for the state’s strong economy. He highlighted cost of housing as one of the many contrasting priorities between Democratic and Republican leadership, and reiterated support for public education, as a contrast to Governor Lombardo’s plan to expand access to alternative education options. Other
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INSIDE Shoplifting a 94.5 Billion Problem for Retailers...............2 Benefits of a Healthy Workforce...................3 ID Scanning to Prevent Underage Tobacco Use..............................4 Annual Monetary Adjustment to Nevada OSHA Penalties........................5 Doctor and Nurse Shortages Hurt Nevadans.......8 450,000 Nevadans Will See Reduction in Food Assistance.......................9 Creating Diversity in Personal Care Products.........11