Weekly Newsletter

Western Governor's Association

This week, I spoke at the Western Governors Association whose leadership plays an integral part to building and maintaining these regional partnerships. I am thankful to the Western Governors Association and all of my fellow western Governors for their continued collaboration and support. Nevada continues to stand with its western neighbors in continuing to advance key priorities such as: protecting, preserving, and enhancing the precious natural resources of the American West. Be it climate change, outdoor recreation, critical minerals, renewable energy, ranching, agriculture, or wildfire, I look forward to working with my fellow governors on our shared future. Learn more about the Association here: https://westgov.org/

Congratulations to Colonel Anne Carpenter!

I had an opportunity to congratulate Colonel Anne Carpenter shortly after she took on her new role at the Nevada Department of Public Safety. She made history for the State of Nevada by becoming the first woman in our state to assume that leadership position. I am proud of her accomplishment as we can all learn more about her path to this job and how she continues to trailblaze for others. You can read her full story here.

1,000th Teacher Achieves Homeownership Through Nevada Housing Division’s Home Is Possible Down Payment Assistance Program

Congratulations to Shane on being the one-thousandth teacher to use this program. Shane, a Grant Sawyer Middle School teacher was the one-thousandth teacher to use the Nevada Housing Division’s (NHD) Home Is Possible For Teachers down payment assistance program to purchase a home. His wife, Samantha King, also works for the Clark County School District (CCSD) as a police dispatcher. We know that helping teachers achieve homeownership helps cement that connection with the community. It is teachers like Shane who truly embody this State’s battle born spirit and bring inspiration into our education system.

I was joined by CCSD Chief of Staff Dr. Christopher Bernier, Grant Sawyer Middle School Principal Gregory Mingo and NHD Administrator Stephen Aichroth to present this very deserving couple with a special commendation, a personalized name plaque for their new home and an Apple gift card.

The Home Is Possible For Teachers program was created in 2014 as a way to thank Nevada teachers for their dedication to the next generation. The program is available for licensed, full-time, K-12 public school classroom teachers with a household income below $98,500. It includes a below-market, fixed interest rate 30-year loan, as well as $7,500 in bonus money that can be used for down-payment and closing costs and is forgivable after five years if the teacher remains in the home.

For more information on the HIP For Teachers program, visit them here.

Governor Sisolak Appoints Bruce Jabbour to Nye County Commission

I announced the appointment of Bruce Jabbour to the Nye County Commission, District 1. Bruce took on the seat previously held by Commissioner Elect Richard Gardner, who unfortunately passed away on October 26th. I am excited for this appointment as Bruce brings extensive knowledge from his many years in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Jabbour currently serves the Senior Vice President of Operations for Tonopah Hospitality Services/North Tonopah Development. He previously served as the General Manager and Vice President of Hospitality Gaming for the Carson Station Hotel Casino in Carson City and the General Manager of the MIzpah Hotel during the renovation and grand opening.

Along with his success in hospitality and tourism, Jabbour is committed to serving his community by leading and being involved in numerous boards and committees. I am confident his experiences will make him an outstanding county commissioner and serve the people of Nye County with honor and distinction.

Recognizing Robert Gibbs of Las Vegas as Veteran of the Month and the Las Vegas Rotary Club as Veteran Supporter of the Month for December

It was my honor to recognize Mr. Robert Gibbs of Las Vegas as Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Las Vegas Rotary Club as Veteran Supporter of the Month (VSM) for December 2020.

Mr. Gibbs, a retired Marine Master Sergeant, has been a committed public servant for the majority of his life — first by serving in the Marines, then serving in law enforcement, and now serving as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). As a VSO, Gibbs dedicates himself to ensuring that the VA has an accurate picture of what the veteran is claiming benefits for. Gibbs’ support of the veterans in his community extends to staying in contact with all branches of the military and speaking at transition classes for service members preparing for their discharge and/or retirement.

The Las Vegas Rotary Club is a service organization whose community support includes honoring airmen stationed at Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases through the “Wetzel Awards,” named after a longtime Rotarian member and Air Force Colonel, Scotty Wetzel. The Wetzel Awards were created by the Club to honor the hard work and community dedication of young Air Force members stationed in Southern Nevada. Each quarter, the Las Vegas Rotary Club recognizes five service members from Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases. The winners, nominated through their chain of command, are recognized during a ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base and are also hosted at a Las Vegas Rotary Club luncheon where they are introduced to the Club. Through the generosity of the Club and several community partners, recipients receive a package of show tickets and dining certificates for an opportunity to have “nights on the town” in Las Vegas.

I am very proud of their continued servitude and devotion towards improving our great state.

Governor’s Office for New Americans celebrates the recent developments with DACA and TPS

The Department of Homeland Security published a new federal register notice announcing the continuation of documentation for beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal.

This follows the news of Federal Judge Garaufis ordering the full restoration of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program last Friday, and the Department of Homeland Security announcing this Monday that they will begin accepting new applications and restore the program to its original version in compliance with the Judge’s orders.

For the first time since 2017, the Department of Homeland Security will accept new applications for DACA and renewal request will revert back to a two-year protection period. New applicants are encouraged to seek legal counsel or reach out to non-profits who are recognized by the Department of Justice and have Accredited Representatives on staff.

The Governor’s Office for New Americans will continue to work with our state agencies to ensure that services eligible for our DACA and TPS recipients continue to be provided.
For more information on the Office of New Americans, please visit their website here.

Longtime Educator, Commissioner to Receive Academic Degree Posthumous

On Dec. 4, 2020, the Nevada Indian Commission Commissioner Lori Pasqua was honored with a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree by the University of Nevada-Reno at its winter commencement on Saturday. Her family accepted this honorary degree on her behalf.

Commissioner Pasqua died from cancer on Aug. 23, 2020, just three courses shy of completing her formal education. A board member of the Nevada Indian Commission, Ms. Pasqua was a Welmelti from the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and a descendant of the Cui-ui Dicutta of Pyramid Lake, and descendant of the Pit-River Susanville Indian Rancheria.

Ms. Pasqua dedicated over 30 years of service to the Washoe Tribe education program. She wasrecognized for her outstanding contributions in the field of Indian Education by Senator Harry Reid in 2009 and 2010. Lori was named "Role Model of the Year" for her work with American Indian Youth Services by the Nevada Indian Commission. She was also awarded "Employee of the Year" in 2010 by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority and The Record-Courier. She was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve as a board member of the Nevada Indian Commission from November 2018 to August 2020.

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.

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.

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 them if they have questions about insurance or need assistance with their insurance claims.

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.

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 coverage in a policy, or if you have 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.

Nevada 211 Youth app launched - Zip code-based information and resources to support

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has announced the release of a Nevada 211 Youth resource app to complement the Nevada 211 app launched earlier this year. The app, which focuses on youth resources including counseling, education, emergency food and shelter as well as youth employment is free to download and can be searched based on zip code.

Nevada 211, a free service that includes information about health and human service programs and resources that are available throughout the state, can also be accessed online at Nevada211.org, by dialing 2-1-1 or by texting your zip code to 898211.

The Nevada 211 app was announced in May 2020 to help more Nevadans connect with the resources they need. Money Management International (MMI) administers the program.

Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, the Nevada 211 Youth app is free to download.

Nevada Department of Public Safety Releases Monthly State Fatal Crash Report For November 2020

For more information, please visit Department of Public Safety website here.

Take the Nevada School Wellbeing Survey

The Nevada Department of Education has teamed up with school districts and public charter schools across the State to launch the Nevada School Wellbeing Survey. COVID-19 has impacted everyone, and the purpose of this survey is to help schools, districts, charter academies, and the State understand your needs to better plan for a successful second half of the school year. The survey is anonymous. Your responses are not linked to you in any way. There are separate surveys for students, school staff/educators, and families and caregivers. All three surveys can be taken in either English or Spanish. The surveys also include links to a variety of resources. The deadline to take the survey is just two weeks away, midnight on Friday, December 18th. So, take the survey today!

To access the survey visit: NVSchoolWellbeingSurvey.org.

The Division of Insurance is seeking a consumer professional for Advisory Council

Insurance Commissioner Barbara Richardson is accepting applications from individuals to represent consumers in the Division’s Network Adequacy Advisory Council. Network Adequacy measures whether a network plan has sufficient providers of health care services to meet the needs of its members.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Notice to Submit Application for Membership on Commissioner’s Network Adequacy Advisory Council. For more information about how to apply please click here. More information about the Council is available here.

Hazard Tree Removal

The Nevada Division of Forestry along with NV Energy, the Nevada Department of Transportation, and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest removed approximately 150 hazardous trees along state route 157 in Kyle Canyon. This project was funded by NV Energy and SB508 to provide for public safety and improve forest health by removing the hazardous trees that are in the highway right of way and in proximity to NV Energy’s power lines. Trees were hauled offsite and made available to the public for fuelwood and the remaining biomass was hauled offsite. For more information please visit the Nevada Division of Forestry’s website here.

Unemployment Update

Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled 8,783, up 2,341 claims, or 36.3 percent, compared to the previous week’s total of 6,442 claims. Regular continued claims totaled  85,680 during the week ending December 5, an increase of 1,317 claims, or 1.6 percent, from the previous week’s total of 84,633.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 61,290 initial claims filed in the week ending December 5, an increase of 52,945 claims, or 634.5 percent, from last week’s total of 8,345. Through the week ending December 5, there have been a total of 719,250 PUA initial claims 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 through PUA. 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 virtual services through Nevada JobConnect and EmployNV. These sites offer free, online job services where jobseekers can find local, and relevant employment information.

LWA Updates

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.

For more information about updates at DETR, please visit: https://detr.nv.gov/Page/Press_Releases

Nevada Health Link has you covered!

Did you know you don’t need additional insurance for COVID-19 testing? All Nevada Health Link plans are ACA compliant and cover pre-existing conditions and the 10 Essential Health Benefits, including COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. Enrollment is open now through January 15. If you're in need of health insurance and are not offered insurance through your employer and you are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, Nevada Health Link is your resource.

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!

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 137,000 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.

Official Documents issued by the Governor:

COVID-19 Task Force Updates

The COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force met on December 10, 2020. For more information on these meetings and more, please visit the links below.

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

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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