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Weekly Newsletter

I look forward to presenting Nevadans with the State of the State address Tuesday, January 19 at 6 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and adhering to the mitigation measures that are in place, the State of the State address will be pre-recorded, and aired virtually. If you wish to tune in, you can watch the address on my YouTube page here.   

The State of the State address will be preceded by a pre-program, which will also air on my YouTube page. The pre-program will include the traditional elements including an invocation, presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem.   

Breaking from tradition, I will provide legislators, the media, and the public with a summary of my recommended budget prior to the airing of my speech on January 19th.   

Challenges and difficult decisions may still lay ahead on the horizon, but I am confident if we can continue to work together, we will overcome.  

Thank you -  

Governor Steve Sisolak     

 

Make a Plan: Knowing How and Where to Get Your Vaccine 

Nevada is receiving small, weekly allocations of COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government which are being provided to counties statewide to vaccinate our seniors and prioritized occupational groups. We know it is difficult, but we urge Nevadans to be patient and make a plan to get vaccinated when the time comes. Each county is moving at their own pace and more information on when, where and how to be vaccinated can be found at NVCOVIDFighter.org.

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The Pennington Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program 

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), was created to increase access to high-quality healthcare by growing Nevada’s healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved communities. A practitioner may enter the Pennington Rural Health Service Loan Repayment Program (PRHSLRP) by engaging in full-time clinical practice and residing in an assigned rural community in exchange for funding used to repay qualified educational loans. Funding under this program will be provided by the William N. Pennington Foundation. To see the full details of the press release and see if you qualify, click here.

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Emsi SkillsMatch program to help Nevadans get back to work 

In an effort to help Nevadans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) have used federal funding to make the Emsi SkillsMatch tool available for those seeking to get back into the job market. 
The Nevada SkillsMatch tool is free and available at nv.emsiskills.com. It is not a job board, but it can be used to connect individuals to jobs that meet their qualifications. The SkillsMatch tool helps individuals understand career and education opportunities that may be a good fit with past experience. Read more about this new initiative here.  
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Department of Taxation Announces Dates for New Tax Amnesty Program  

The 31st Special Session of the Nevada Legislature enacted Senate Bill 3, which provides a one-time tax amnesty program for businesses or individuals doing business in Nevada who may have an existing tax liability. The amnesty program will allow for penalty and interest to be waived, provided the outstanding tax debt meets certain criteria. The tax can be paid online using a credit/debit card, or by check mailed to our office with AMNESTY written on the envelope. More details on Tax Amnesty here

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The Nevada Arts Council has an Artist Relief Grant program, and Nevada artists can apply through Jan. 29 

Nevada artists who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply through Jan. 29, 2021, for a $1,000 grant to be used to alleviate financial pressures due to the pandemic. Properly completed applications for the Fiscal Year 2021 Artist Relief Grant program will be entered into a process for randomized selection. For a list of eligibility requirements and a link to the online application, visit their website or click here.
 
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Nevada Schoolchildren Aviation Art Contest Entry Deadline January 19 

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is reminding schoolchildren that only one week remains to participate in the National Association of State Aviation Officials’ art contest. Sponsored by the World Air Sports Federation and National Association of State Aviation Officials, the goal of the annual contest is to inspire young people to learn more about aviation and aeronautics.  Full contest details and submission flyer are available here and for additional national contest information click here.

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ImageNevada officials want to know: How do you feel about the COVID-19 vaccine? 

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences, Immunize Nevada and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, are conducting a study to learn what Nevadans think about COVID-19 vaccines and their acceptance toward taking the vaccine once one is available to the public. 

Public and health care providers are invited to participate in the research study by taking one of the two surveys. The surveys are completely anonymous, but ask questions about who you are and what you know and think about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and information sources. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Participants may pick and choose what questions they answer. The survey can only be completed online and is anonymous. 
  • Community members can take the public survey in English or Spanish here.   
  • Health care providers and learners can take the provider survey here

There is still time to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan through Nevada Health Link!  

Consumers who have completed their application before the end of the Open Enrollment Period (01/15/2021) will have until midnight on 01/20/2021 to select a plan, and complete enrollment. 

Call us today: 1-800-547-2927. The call center will have extended hours on January 15 from 9 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. 

See if you qualify and find FREE local assistance from a Licensed Broker/Agent or Certified Enrollment Counselor. Visit enroll.nevadahealthlink.com 

As people continue to take measures to protect themselves, their families, and their surrounding communities from the spread of the Coronavirus, we want to remind Nevadans who purchase a plan through Nevada Health Link that when the vaccine becomes available to you, the COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and vaccinations will be included and covered in all plans offered through Nevada Health Link. There is no need to buy an additional insurance for COVID coverage, despite what some are fraudulently promoting. 

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Division of Health Care Financing and Policy – Open Enrollment for Medicaid 

Medicaid caseload is up nearly 20 percent since the start of the public health emergency in February 2020. Total Medicaid caseload is now 771,820 and Check Up is 26,583. Growth is continuing to slow. The Parents and Children category declined 2,737 in December, the first decline since February 2020.  However, the Newly Eligible Adults category continues to grow quickly, increasing by 7,119 recipients in December 2020. 
 
Nevada Medicaid would like to remind you that while the Nevada Health Link has an open enrollment period, Nevada Medicaid is always open for applications. Apply here.
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Suicide Prevention for the Youth – Lethal Means PSA

During these challenging times, checking in with our children and teens is crucial. They are experiencing so many different stressors and losses, and at the same time, they are isolated from some of their support systems. There are things you can do as a parent, guardian or caregiver to help youth who are struggling. Learning what signs to look for and checking in on your child is an important starting place. Being aware of your home environment and any available lethal means is another important way to keep them safe. What you do to prevent access to lethal means can save a life. Suicide is preventable and resources for help are available.  

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please call Crisis Support Services of Nevada at 1-800-273-8255 or Text CARE to 839863  

If you would like more information on lethal means safety, please visit here.  

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

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. 

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Unemployment Update

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Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled 9,511, up 1,050 claims, or 12.4%, compared to the previous week’s total of 8,461 claims. Regular continued claims totaled 78,793 claims, an increase of 1,410 claims, or 1.8%, from the previous week’s total of 77,383.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 8,379 initial claims filed in the week ending January 9, an increase of 7,263 claims, or 650.8%, from last week’s total of 1,116. Continued variability in this claim type is being monitored by DETR. Through the week ending January 9, there have been a total of 794,044 PUA initial claims filed since the beginning of the program.

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

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More than 435,010 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

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Resilience Project 

I know that many people are suffering from COVID fatigue and for this reason it is important to reach out for help. One resource that is available is the Nevada Resilience Project. "We are all trying to balance different challenges right now. The Nevada Resilience Project supports families and individuals experiencing struggles and challenges due to COVID – 19. Our Resilience Ambassadors provide education, information, counseling, and resource navigation while promoting healthy coping, empowerment, and resilience. It’s normal to be experiencing difficulty with adapting to the new challenges of managing work, school, family, or home due to COVID-19, feeling isolated or anxious, or worried about meeting basic needs like having enough food or access to healthcare. In this challenging time, you are not alone. Our Resilience Ambassadors can provide support and connection to resources over the phone, through text and video-chat, or face to face." Click here for more information. 

Nevada Division of State Lands, Washoe County, DHHS collaborate to expand housing & social services for homeless and at-risk populations 

This week, the Nevada Division of State Lands and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services announced a new partnership between the State of Nevada and Washoe County to expand housing and social services for homeless and at-risk vulnerable populations through the “Our Place Homeless Project” in Sparks, Nevada. This unique partnership project will also enhance the CrossRoads program and provide additional care management services for homeless women, children and families. Additionally, the partnership includes the development of a community garden at the campus as well as extensive facility improvements. To learn more about the Our Place Homeless Project, click here.  

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Attorney General Ford Cautions Nevadans to Be Aware of Potential Debt Relief Scams, COVID-19 Fraudulent Treatments, Vaccines

Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford warns Nevadans who received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to be aware of businesses soliciting services that may promise more than they can deliver when it comes to loan forgiveness. Additionally, as COVID-19 vaccines begin to be distributed throughout the country, AG Ford asks Nevadans to stay alert to avoid fraudulent cures, treatments and vaccines. To view the full press release click here
 

ImageGOED and NNRDA welcomes MineConnect to Elko  

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority (NNRDA) have entered a three-year partnership with MineConnect, a new business incubator dedicated to the service and support of the Nevada Mining Industry. 

When MineConnect opens its doors in Elko later this year, rural Nevada will have access to Canada’s largest concentration of hard rock mining expertise through its membership of 190 companies with 8,800 employees throughout Northern Ontario. To learn more about this partnership, click here.
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NDOT Breaks Ground on $155 Million Final Centennial Bowl Phase in Northwest Las Vegas 

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) broke ground this week on the $155 million final phase of the Centennial Bowl interchange where U.S. Highway 95 meets the 215 Beltway in northwest Las Vegas. The project will build-out the remaining three ramps needed to finish the system-to-system interchange that first began construction in 2015. The project, funded by a combination of state, federal and county funds, will create nearly 1,700 direct, indirect, and induced local jobs. The Centennial Bowl, upon completion in early 2024, will be one of the state’s largest interchanges with 20 total bridges over three decks. To view the full press release, click here.  

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COVID-19 Task Force Updates

The COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force met on January 14, 2021. For more information on these meetings and more, please visit the links below. 


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Boards & Commissions

This month, I was proud to announce 52 appointments were made to State of Nevada boards, commissions, and agencies during the month of December. 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. 

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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! 

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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