Weekly Newsletter

This week I was glad to provide Nevadans an update as we prepare for a COVID-19 vaccine, which we anticipate may be available in the next week or so in limited doses.  
 
Thanks to the development of vaccines, there is hope on the horizon. There’s no doubt this will play a pivotal role in helping combat this disease, but it will take time to make sure everyone has access. It’s critical to remember that federal officials have widely reported that we won’t see largescale vaccination throughout America until the spring.  
 
So we need a bridge to get there. Here in our State, that bridge between today and the day we have large scale vaccination must be built by Nevadans. 
 
The tools we have to build that bridge are the same public health measures we’ve all heard on repeat over the last 9 months: avoid gatherings, limit exposure by working from home and staying home as much as possible, wash your hands, wear your mask. That’s all we have.  
 
Nevada’s current situation during our “Statewide Pause" is proof that as of today, our bridge is shaky. We have a lot of work to do, and it will take ALL of us to recommit ourselves to turning things around before a vaccine is widely available. In order to avoid a scenario where Nevada experiences devastating loss and an overwhelming of our health care system, our bridge must be built upon a foundation of vigilance, not complacency.


 
Thank you - 

-Governor Steve Sisolak

This Week

Vaccination Updates

Revised Quarantine CDC Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Nevada officials have shortened the quarantine period required for individuals exposed to COVID-19. Health officials no longer require a 14 day quarantine for those identified as contacts to someone with COVID-19, but just 10 days if testing capacity is limited and as little as 7 days if testing resources are available. For the full guidance, see the Division of Public and Behavioral Health’s technical bulletin CDC Updated Guidance for Reducing Quarantine Period for Contacts of Persons with COVID-19 Infection. 

Nevada Climate Initiative Releases State Climate Strategy 

GOED Board approves 11 new companies

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Directors has approved abatements for 11 companies that will generate $90,207,019 in tax revenue and create 1,991 jobs over the next 10 years. The companies include Acorn Pulp Group, LLC, in Washoe County; American Battery Technology Company in Lyon County; Beyond Meat, Inc., in Washoe County; Centerline Structural Innovations, Inc., of Washoe County; GigaCrete, Inc., of Clark County; Lithion Battery, Inc., of Clark County; Nanotech Energy Inc., of Washoe County; Safe Life Defense, LLC of Clark County; SAMSARG, Inc., of Lyon County; Sonoma Creamery LLC of Washoe County; and ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, LLC of Washoe County. For more information on this story, please click here. 

New odometer rule affects sales of older vehicles 

A new rule from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that goes into effect January 1 requires odometer disclosure during the sale of 2011 and newer vehicles. Under the old rule, 2011 vehicles would have become exempt from disclosure on January 1. Most existing titles indicate that vehicles are exempt after nine model years but that is no longer true. 2011 vehicles will not become exempt until 2031. 2012 vehicles will become exempt in 2032 and so on. See the DMV News Release for more information.  The new federal rule does not affect the State of Nevada law that motorists provide their current odometer reading at the time of vehicle registration or renewal.  The Nevada law applies to most vehicles regardless of age. 

A virtual look at the future Reno Spaghetti Bowl 

Over the next two decades, population growth could increase travel delays through the Reno spaghetti bowl by 53 percent. But, the Nevada Department of Transportation has launched a multi-phase project to renovate northern Nevada’s busiest interchange.  
You can join a virtual public meeting to keep updated about these important interstate improvements by visiting the meeting link at NDOTspaghettibowl.com any time through Dec. 17. You’ll be able to scroll through current construction updates, view illustrations of future improvements and provide written questions and informal feedback. Both English and Spanish language are available. 

Keep updated by visiting NDOTspaghettibowl.com, contacting 775-636-4202 or signing up for text alerts by texting “SBX” to 797979. 

The Division of Insurance offers resources for homeowners affected by the Pinehaven Fire 

The Division is encouraging homeowners affected by the Pinehaven Fire to contact the Division if they have questions about insurance or need assistance with their insurance claims. 

“Although affected homeowners should take swift action, they should also be mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic and follow safety protocols in place,” said Insurance Commissioner Barbara Richardson. “Consumers are encouraged to discuss their claims via phone or teleconference if possible, but should they meet in person with an insurance adjuster for example they need to remember to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and wash their hand frequently.” 

Hazards that are generally covered by a home or renters insurance policy include fire, wind, smoke, or a loss of use. If a resident believes they have a claim, they should review their policy and immediately contact their agent to file and discuss the details of their claim. 

CTA: Consumers are also encouraged to visit the Division’s website to view a comprehensive list of what to expect from an insurance company after filing a claim, making repairs, what to do if the claim is delayed, or damages exceed coverage amount, settling a claim, and other important information. 

For any questions about the coverages in the policy, or if help is needed with a problem regarding a claim following a fire or other loss of a home, contact the Division at cscc@doi.nv.gov or call (888) 872-3234. 

Open Enrollment is NOW and ends Friday, Jan. 15th at midnight! 

Nevada Health Link plans are for eligible Nevadans who don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid; those who don't have employee-sponsored health insurance including independent contractors and gig workers; and anyone seeking comprehensive, quality and affordable plans. Whether you need to manage a chronic disease, find coverage because you’re out of work or ensure you’re covered if you become injured or ill, here is where you’ll find a variety of comprehensive qualified health plans to shop from and enroll in. 4 out of 5 enrollees qualify for payment assistance to make your monthly premiums more affordable.  

For Plan Year 2021, Nevada Health Link has more carriers offering 50 Qualified Health Plans, 21 dental plans and Nevada Health Link partnered with VSP to offer vision plans, there are MORE options than ever before! 

Don’t wait, see if you qualify and find FREE local assistance from a Licensed Broker/Agent or Certified Enrollment Counselor visit enroll.nevadahealthlink.com or call us today: 1-800-547-2927. We are open 7 days a week 9 AM to 5 PM! 

Unemployment Update

Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled  6,442 for week ending November 28, down 1,679 claims, or 20.7%, compared to the previous week. Regular continued claims totaled  84,633 during the week ending November 28, down 9,510 claims, or 10.1%, compared to the previous week.  

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides up to 46 weeks of benefits for the self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 8,345 initial claims filed in the week ending November 28, an increase of 1,047 claims, or 12.5%, from last week’s total of 7,298. Through the week ending November 14, 657,960 PUA initial claims have been filed.

CARES Act Unemployment Programs slated to end late this month

The State has been in touch with our Congressional delegation to urge them to do all they can to extend the portion of the CARES Act that provides unemployment assistance. Without it, the assistance ends on December 26th, creating untold hardship for residents in our state.   

DETR is  working to identify additional local resources that may be available to those who have exhausted their benefits and encourages the public to utilize its virtual services through Nevada JobConnect and EmployNV.  These sites offer free, online job resource where jobseekers can find local, and relevant employment information. 

LWA Updates 

Throughout the pandemic, DETR has worked through closing and gradual re-openings of the economy to connect eligible claimants to benefits and will continue to do so.    

DETR has started processing payments for week 5 of LWA to eligible claimants this week.  It is important to note that payments to claimants are not made all at once, but in batches. 
DETR has applied to FEMA for additional funding to pay for week 6. We are currently still awaiting an answer.  

Claimants do not need to do anything to get the LWA funds, if they are eligible (receiving at least $100 in UI benefits, and any amount in PUA).  

If a claimant is determined ineligible for any particular week during the program, (for varied reasons), they will not be eligible to receive LWA benefit for that specific week. 

Overpayments 

DETR has worked to balance getting benefits to people quickly against the need to double check applications and supporting documents to be sure people meet the narrow federal rules for eligibility.  

Overpayments may occur for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, claimant error, appeal reversals, fraud, failure to report severance, earnings, other income, or Division errors. All overpaid benefits must be repaid to the Division. 

The state understands that claimants may have questions about overpayment notices and may disagree with the overpayment determination.   The requirement to send an overpayment notice is mandatory under federal law. Claimants who receive an overpayment notice and disagree are able to file an appeal.  This is applicable regarding any of the determinations made by DETR.  

All determinations (UI & PUA) include instructions on how to file an appeal.  PUA appeals can only be submitted on-line through the EmployNV.gov portal. To file an appeal, claimants log in to their EmployNV account, click on the Unemployment Services link and select “File an Appeal.”   Once PUA claimants submit their appeal request on-line, there is no further action required.  

UI claimants need to follow the appeal instructions included in their determination letter received in the mail. UI appeals must be in writing, signed and should include the claimant’s social security number and the reason for filing the appeal.  The appeal may be faxed to (775) 684-0338 or (702) 486-7987 or mailed to:  ESD, Adjudication Center, 500 East Third Street, Carson City, NV 89713. At this time, claimants may request an appeal after the date indicated on their determination letter. Appeals filed post date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.   

Claimants with specific questions should contact the unemployment call centers Monday through Friday, from 8 AM – 8 PM and Saturday from 8 AM – Noon. A general rule of thumb is to call  Wednesday to Friday after 10 a.m., as Mondays and Tuesdays are the busiest days of the week as folks are calling in following the weekend.  

UI Call Centers:  702-486-0350 | 775-684-0350 | 888-890-8211 

PUA Call Center:  800-603-9681 | 775-298-6007| 702-329-6699 

Toy Drive: December 1st  - December 15th  

Given the unprecedented events of the last few months and the impacts of COVID-19, this has been an incredibly tough year for families across our State. This year, the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the State Treasurer’s Office are partnering to spread some holiday cheer. During the first two weeks of December, we will be collecting toys to donate to local charities/organizations. We ask that you consider donating to help bring joy to families in need this holiday season. This will be a contactless toy drive, participants must order toys via Amazon. 

To donate to children in Southern Nevada click here.  

To donate to children in Northern Nevada click here.  

For questions or further information please contact Elizabeth Mares, Program Officer State Treasurer’s Office emares@nevadatreasurer.gov. 

Nevada Department of Environmental Protection Partners with Nevada Green Business Network to Support Businesses in Increasing Sustainability and Reducing Waste

Today, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) announced a new partnership with the Nevada Green Business Network supporting the development of a green business certification program. Along with other key partners, this innovative collaboration supports Nevada businesses by working with them directly to become green certified and develop efficient and cost effective sustainability practices that protect Nevada’s environment.  

NDEP will provide businesses in rural Nevada with free tools and resources to become green certified using the online platform GreenBizTracker to track efforts to improve sustainability. Businesses that become green certified are then added to a searchable directory, making it easy for people to find and support them.  

Funding for the program was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, visit NVGreenBusiness.org.  

NDEP’s mission is to protect public health, sustain healthy ecosystems, and contribute to a vibrant economy. To learn more, visit ndep.nv.gov. 

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite Nevadan?  

Show and share some home-state pride by supporting Nevada businesses and giving gifts that can only be found (or experienced) right in the Silver State. Check out inspired gift ideas, from made-in-Nevada goodies to only-in-Nevada adventure you can book, in the Nevada Pride Shopping Guide. 

Applications Open for White House Fellows Program

The President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, is excited to announce that the application window for the 2021-2022 White House Fellowship program is now open.  Since 1964, the White House Fellows program has offered over 800 exceptional Americans first-hand experience working with top officials from across the federal government. This uniquely non-partisan program has continued through ten Presidential Administrations and continues to be one of our nation’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.  The 2021-2022 White House Fellowship program year will begin in September 2021 and conclude in September 2022.  All applicants must be a U.S. citizens and have completed their undergraduate education.  Interested individuals may apply here. The application is available online will remain open until January 6, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

COVID Trace App: Protecting your community. And your privacy.   

Close to 125,000 of your neighbors have downloaded the COVID Trace App. It's a free and easy-to-use mobile phone app that gives you the information you need to fight COVID-19, without compromising your privacy. Nevadans have answered the call since Nevada day, and have doubled the number of downloads. Join your friends, family and neighbors on the app today! Together, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Nevada! 

Join the fight! To download the fight on your Apple device or Android, click here. 

COVID-19 Task Force Updates

The COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force met on December 3, 2020. For more information on these meetings and more, please visit the links below. 

• COVID-19 Task Force Assessments 
• COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report 
• Daily COVID Press Bulletins 
  
  

Boards & Commissions

This month, I was proud to announce 35 appointments were made to State of Nevada boards, commissions, and agencies during the month of November. I have appointed hundreds of individuals since assuming office, and I encourage anyone who might be interested in serving Nevada and their community to review opportunities posted on the Governor’s WEBSITE, which is updated on an ongoing basis. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS?

The Governor makes appointments to three types of boards and commissions:

• Advisory - An advisory board, commission or council serves as a formal liaison between a state agency and the public, in addition to making recommendations on how to address specific issues.
• Regulatory Board - Regulatory boards are those that oversee the licensing, handle complaints, and enforce disciplinary actions of individuals or industries that fall within the jurisdiction of the board’s authority.
• Task Force - A task force is created for the purpose of accomplishing a definite objective and goal.

If you are interested in serving, apply now! 

• Board Vacancies *Vacancies are updated once a month
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Boards and Commissions Application 

Coming up next week: 

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th)

Stay up to date on the latest news from Governor Sisolak by following his social media accounts or by visiting his website.

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