Weekly Newsletter

This week, I laid out a timeline for the State that including the easing of certain COVID-19 mitigation measures and I set a long-term strategy to return the management of COVID-19 to local counties by May 1. The plans for a safe reopening are focused on how we can continue mitigating the spread while getting Nevadans back to work, protecting and recovering our economy, and getting students back to in-person learning in the safest way possible.

After making it through the very difficult winter surges and the pause, I knew Nevadans deserved predictability about what our path forward will look like. This is what was front of mind as we developed this Roadmap to Recovery Safe Reopening Plan.

You can read the full plan online here: https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/current-status-mitigation-measures/

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 vaccine 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 its own pace and more information on when, where, and how to be vaccinated can be found at NVCOVIDFighter.org To schedule your vaccine appointment over the phone & receive county-specific information call our recently launched COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-401-0946.

Governor  Sisolak signed legislation to provide an additional $50 million to Nevada small businesses

This week I signed Assembly Bill 106, which provides an additional $50 million for small businesses through the Pandemic Emergency Technical Support (PETS) Grant Program. I prioritized the additional funding for the grant assistance program in his State of the State address in January. During my State of the State, I asked lawmakers to prioritize allocating an additional $50 million for this small business grant program. Not only did this bill get to my desk for signature at warp speed, but it was approved by the Legislature with unanimous support. I want to thank Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro and Minority Leader Settelmeyer, along with Speaker Frierson and Assembly Minority Leader Robin Titus for helping to send the message that when it comes to helping our small businesses, Nevada’s leaders stand in bipartisan support. Learn more here.

Governor Sisolak provides public comment at WCSD, thanks staff for continued work

I was grateful for the opportunity to call into the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees meeting to thank our teachers and our school staff in Washoe County for their amazing work and for going above and beyond in their commitment and care for Nevada’s children. They have done a tremendous job in continuing in-person education for our students and I continue to voice my support for a safe reopening of schools. The recording of the meeting can be found here and my full press release and comments can be found here.

Biden Administration Special Enrollment Period Feb. 15 – May 15, 2021

In accordance with the Executive Order issued by President Biden last month, and in response to the ongoing national emergency presented by COVID-19, the Nevada Exchange will offer a forthcoming Special Enrollment Period for uninsured Nevadans.

The SEP will begin on February 15th and end at midnight on May 15th.
This SEP is intended to allow consumers with no existing coverage to enroll in ACA health/dental plans.
Consumers with existing coverage through the Exchange will not be allowed to modify current plan selections.
Nevada Health Link issued a press release on February 3rd with additional information. This document can be downloaded from the Media page of our website, or by using this direct link.

Tribal Nation Energy Resilience Funding Available

The Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE) announced a new funding opportunity for energy resilience on Nevada’s Tribal Nations. This new grant will allocate dollars from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds to help Nevada’s Tribal Nations identify solutions to advance energy resiliency, increase clean energy access, offer opportunities for economic development and diversification, and greenhouse gas emission reduction on Tribal lands. Building our equitable clean energy future depends on collaborative efforts like this funding opportunity. Proposals are due to GOE by April 5, 2021. View the announcement and application requirements here.

Kathy Sisolak hosts new online program featuring Nevada artists and artifacts

Nevada’s first lady Kathy Sisolak this month will debut “The First Lady presents…,” a virtual, monthly program showcasing Nevada artists and artifacts on the Nevada State Museum, Carson City website. Every month through 2021, Mrs. Sisolak will showcase the work of a contemporary Nevada artist on “The First Lady presents…” web page, which also will reference an artifact that will be on display at the Carson City museum during its Curator’s Corner program. To visit the webpage, click here.

Webinars Bring Conservation Education to the Public

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Conservation Educators mobilized to continue to bring their education programs to the public through online webinars. These webinars cover a variety of wildlife topics from birding, aquatic invasive species, waterfowl hunting, and fly fishing, all easily enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Since March of 2020 over 7,000 people have logged on to enjoy these programs live. In addition to watching live, you can also watch recordings of these webinars on NDOW’s YouTube channel. Check out our Webinar playlist on YouTube here. You can also register to attend webinars live here.

U.S. Senator Rosen offers virtual internship opportunity

Senator Rosen offers internships for college students, recent college graduates, and others looking to experience life on Capitol Hill. The purpose of the program is to give interns firsthand knowledge of the way in which a Senate office operates on a daily basis, to observe the legislative process at the federal level, and to develop research skills related to public policy. To visit the webpage and learn more, click here.

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.

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

More than 569,580 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.

Funding offered to enhance specialty crops in Nevada

(SPARKS, Nev.) – The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is pleased to announce funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately $269,000 is expected to be awarded to projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Nevada’s specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Letters of intent are due March 1. To view the full press release click here.

Attorney General Ford Continues to Caution Nevadans to Be Aware of Scams Related to COVID-19 Vaccine, Treatment, Relief

Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford warns Nevadans of ongoing scams related to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and planned financial relief from the U.S. government. “Now, more than ever, people are being lured by fraudsters regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, treatment, and relief,” said AG Ford. “I want Nevadans to be extremely cautious of these scammers and mindful of the misinformation is going around. Stay vigilant and file a complaint if you have encountered scams relating to COVID-19.” To read the full press release, click here.

Spanish Webinar: "Hablemos de La Vacuna COVID-19”

The Governor’s Office for New Americans joined REACH Las Vegas, The Southern Nevada Health District, and Immunize Nevada for a COVID-19 Vaccine webinar in Spanish to provide important information to the Spanish-speaking community. The group of experts answered questions live addressing the creation of the vaccine, what to expect when receiving the vaccine, the lanes of prioritization, data privacy, and the state’s current progress in distributing the vaccine to Nevadans. Share the recording with your Spanish-speaking family and friends! For the link, click here.

Congress Recently Expanded List of Presumptive Conditions – Associated with Agent Orange

On January 1, 2021 Congress voted to authorize the expansion of the presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange. This expansion allows for bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s-like symptoms to be added to the presumptive list, thereby lowering the threshold required for veterans with these conditions to be found to have them service–connected. If you’re a Vietnam Veteran, or the family member of one, and would like to submit a new claim regarding any of the existing or the newly added conditions, please contact the Veterans Advocacy Service Team at 702-830-2000 to set up an appointment. Or you may submit an “Ask a VSO” form on the Nevada Department of Veterans Services website. The Veterans Administration has also published a comprehensive list of presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange for review.

Nevada is a U.S. Green Building Council Top 10 LEED state for 2020

Thanks to the state’s commitment to energy efficiency and green buildings, we are proud to announce Nevada is a U.S. Green Building Council Top 10 LEED state for 2020! Learn more about this accomplishment here.

Unemployment Update

Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled 9,953, up 132 claims, or 1.3%, compared to the previous week’s total of 10,105 claims. Regular continued claims totaled 79,798 claims, a decrease of 1,093 claims, or 1.4% from the previous week’s total of 80,891.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 35,460 initial claims filed in the week ending February 6, a decline of 34,908 claims, or 49.6%, from last week’s total of 70,368. Initial applications for the PUA program continue to be highly variable due to ongoing high levels of fraudulent applications. Through the week ending February 6, there have been a total of 1,068,112 PUA initial claims filed.

New partnership between Nevada Medicaid (DHCFP) and the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada (BGCSN) to overcome barriers to behavioral health

A new partnership between Nevada Medicaid (DHCFP) and the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada (BGCSN) builds on the Club’s efforts to overcome barriers to behavioral health and provide youth the services they need. The Club started to address the issue two years ago by applying for the System of Care Grant and was awarded nearly $200,000 to hire two therapists, cover travel, supplies, equipment, and other needs. Now, by working with Nevada Medicaid, BGCSN will be a health care provider that can bill Medicaid, which is a significant step toward program sustainability. The club is anticipating enough demand to hire three additional therapists.

Nevada joins Under 2 Coalition to advance climate action

It’s official! This week, Nevada joined the Under 2 Coalition, which is the world’s largest global network of state and local governments committed to tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Climate action is truly a collaborative and cooperative effort. With key partners like the Under 2 Coalition, Nevada is committed to doing our part to help lead the way to a more sustainable, resilient, climate-friendly future for all. Click here to learn more about the Under 2 Coalition.

2021 Nevada Women Veterans Virtual Conference March 3, 2021; Free Registration

(Reno, Nev.) -- In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Nevada of Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is hosting a free Nevada Women Veterans Virtual Conference on Tues., March 3, 2021 from 9 a.m. to noon. All Veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserves, community partners, and supporters are invited to attend. The featured speaker is the first black female prisoner of war in U.S. history, Shoshana Johnson. The first 100 female veteran attendees who register from Nevada will receive a free, autographed copy of Ms. Johnson's book. To view further details and the entire press release, click here. To register, click here.

Virtual program on Feb. 18 take a look at tourism promotion in the 20th century

Historian Joyce Cox will discuss how Reno and northern Nevada were promoted as tourism destinations from 1920 to 1970 in a virtual lecture, "The Chamber of Commerce," at noon Feb. 18. The program is presented by the Nevada Historical Society, one of seven state museums, and the Washoe County Libraries. Registration is required and you can do so by clicking here.

Nevada Department of Transportation Seeks State Rail Plan Feedback, Hosts February 16 Virtual Summit

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is accepting public feedback and hosting a February 16 virtual rail summit to finalize the Nevada State Rail Plan, outlining potential new and enhanced railroad facilities to create a more efficient and sustainable statewide transportation network.
The plan will be finalized following public comment and a virtual statewide rail summit on Feb. 16. The summit will provide an overview of plan recommendations and strategies and gather stakeholder and public feedback. Interested members of the public can register for the free summit by visiting the rail plan web site, by clicking here. To read the full press release, click here.

COVID-19 Task Force Updates

The COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force met on January 28, 2021. For more information on these meetings and more, please visit the links below.

Boards & Commissions

In December, 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.

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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