Weekly Newsletter

This week our State marked two somber milestones in the fight against COVID-19. On Thursday, we surpassed more than 5,000 Nevadans who lost their lives due to this terrible virus. Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the first presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 being identified in the Silver State.

When the scale of loss is this large, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that each one of these Nevadans were neighbors, friends, mothers, fathers, and family members. They leave behind an empty chair at a kitchen table.

They were Nevadans whose legacies and contributions can never be forgotten nor replaced.
These are trying times for all of us but know that there is hope on the horizon.
This protracted crisis put the State in an unprecedented position. The pandemic created multiple crises – from housing, to unemployment, to schooling, mental health and more. The State continues to try to manage multiple crises and emergencies on a daily basis. Nevada’s response has evolved and has always been informed by guidance from experts, best practices, and lessons learned.

The State has focused on flexibility, transparency and trying to strike a balance between protecting the health of the public and protecting livelihoods. Nevada faced the greatest challenge in trying to walk this tightrope due to the makeup of our state’s economy and workforce.
Nevadans are resilient, strong, and truly exemplify the Battle Born spirit because, amid this tremendous sorrow, we have never given up hope for a better tomorrow. We will rebuild. We will recover.

Nevadans are resilient, strong, and truly exemplify the Battle Born spirit because, amid this tremendous sorrow, we have never given up hope for a better tomorrow. We will rebuild. We will recover.

I released a video on Thursday, honoring the lives lost. If you haven’t had a chance to watch, please do so: Governor Sisolak on the loss of more than 5,000 Nevadans due to COVID-19.

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.

Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Recommends Janssen Vaccine

With the review of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has again come together to ensure we have a safe, effective vaccine available to our residents. Their review of this vaccine should give Nevadans added confidence to say ‘yes’ to any of the three vaccines offered. To read my full press release, click here.

Governor Sisolak Participates in Nevada Reading Week

This week, I issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 1 - March 5, 2021 as Nevada Reading Week. I had the pleasure of reading virtually and in person to the talented students at Corbett Elementary School, Hunsberger Elementary School, Rhodes Elementary School, and Cambeiro Elementary School. I thank everyone that participated as it is essential that we continue to instill the love of reading and learning for our students. Learn more about this week here.

Governor Sisolak Speaks at 2021 Virtual Women Veterans Conference.

This week, I had the honor of speaking at the Nevada Department of Veteran Services’ 2021 Virtual Women Veterans Conference. The theme of this year’s conference was Courage and Resilience; Strength Through Adversary and Nevada’s Veteran women are just that. They are brave and resilient members of our society whose service has been vital in ensuring the continued protection and security of our State and our country.

Uninsured Nevadans Enroll Now Through May 15!

Nevada Health Link is the only place where you can get financial assistance to help pay for your premiums. And, if you're currently covered through COBRA, a plan through Nevada Health Link may be a cost-saving alternative. Visit NevadaHealthLink.com or call us at 800-547-2927 to get free enrollment assistance.
Current Nevada Health Link enrollees: Congratulations! You're covered. Be sure to review all plan documents so you know what your benefits are and how much your insurance covers. Adult dental and vision plans are also available through Nevada Health Link.

Nevada’s Small Business Highlight: Empowered Café

Starting today, the Governor’s Office will begin to highlight some of Nevada’s small businesses. We know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. The Governor and the State will continue to support Nevada’s small businesses as much as possible.
This week’s highlight is Empowered Café:  Located in Nevada’s Grant Sawyer Office Building and has not only been critical in feeding Nevada’s State Worker’s but early on, owners Chris and Cassandra Barcelo set out on their mission of helping empower and hire people with disabilities. The PETS grant was a “lifesaver” for them as it allowed them to keep their doors open and their workers employed.
"That's all that matters to us. As long as we can keep our mission and our dream alive, that way we can make it through this pandemic, and we can make it through this tough time, so that we can get through this and hire more people with disabilities,” said Cassandra Barcelo.
They soon plan to expand to online delivery and pickup services as they continue their mission of hiring and empowering people with disabilities in the State of Nevada.  Learn more about Empowered Café through a full coverage report conducted by Fox 5 News, click here.

Take A Survey Help US Create a Lasting 1 October Memorial

The Clark County Commission appointed the 1 October Memorial Committee to gather input from the public and develop recommendations for a permanent memorial to remember those who perished in the events of 1 October 2017, to honor the many heroes who inspired the nation with their bravery and all those whose lives were changed forever, and to celebrate resiliency and compassion of our community. Please take moment to take this survey.

Plan for Play! Nevadans encouraged to participate in outdoor recreation survey

Do you enjoy exploring Nevada’s public lands, parks, trails, and waterways? Would you like to see new bike paths, playgrounds, or other outdoor recreation infrastructure in your community? Right now, all Nevadans have the opportunity to weigh in on key topics like these to help shape the future of outdoor recreation in their neighborhoods, communities, and Nevada-wide. Let your voice be heard by completing a quick survey on outdoor recreation, brought to you by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation and Nevada Division of State Parks. To learn more, click here.

Dental Care Beyond Walls

LIBERTY Dental Plan of Nevada (LIBERTY), the state’s dental Medicaid administrator, has partnered with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), Oral Health Program, to create the Nevada Action Network. This program is free for children enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, allowing them to schedule a virtual check-up with a dental professional and receive an at-home fluoride kit. Don't delay, to schedule your child's free, virtual in-home dental visit 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 684,086 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.

Deadlines extended for funding to enhance specialty crops in Nevada

The NDA has extended the deadline for proposals for projects to 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).” The deadline for letters of intent has been extended to March 15, 2021 and full application proposals are due by April 15, 2021. Visit the NDA website to view the request for proposals, previously funded projects and more information.

NDOW Provides Outdoor Recreation Opportunity by Stocking Urban Ponds

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) kicked off western Nevada’s fish stocking season this week. NDOW’s Mason Valley Fish Hatchery staff stocked the Sparks Marina with 3,000 rainbow trout and visited a variety of other community ponds. NDOW encourages you to use responsible recreation while enjoying Nevada’s outdoors by planning ahead, recreating close to home, following state guidelines, adhering to best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and packing out your trash. Plan ahead and your fishing license today by clicking here.

Nevada Celebrated Agriculture Day

The Nevada Department of Agriculture and representatives across the state came together on March 1 to celebrate Nevada Agriculture Day and recognize the work of Nevada farmers, ranchers, producers, manufacturers and all those who contribute to our food and agriculture sector. Search for #NVAgDay across social media to see how everyone celebrated and join the NDA and other states as they celebrate National Agriculture Day on March 23.

Student Art Contests Announced for Nevada State STEM and STEAM Diploma Seals

The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Nevada Department of Education announced two design contests, inviting Nevada’s students to create the image that will become the official State Seal of STEM or the Sostate Seal of STEAM to be used on high school diplomas. The contests are open until March 30, 2021. Winning images will embody the spirit of the Seal (STEM or STEAM) as well as Nevada-specific attributes. Winners will receive a framed copy of their Seal. For more information, including image requirements, or to enter, please email asnyder.doe.nv@gmail.com. To view their full press release, click here.

Unemployment Update

Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled 9,208, up 1,699 claims, or 22.6%, compared to the previous week’s total of 7,509 claims. Regular continued claims totaled 72,547 claims, an increase of 913 claims, or 1.3% from the previous week’s total of 71,634.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 6,740 initial claims filed in the week ending February 27, an increase of 327 claims, or 5.1%, from last week’s total of 6,413. Initial applications for the PUA program continue to be highly variable due to ongoing high levels of fraudulent applications. Through the week ending February 27, there have been a total of 1,093,697 PUA initial claims filed.

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 42 appointments were made to State of Nevada boards, commissions, and agencies during the month of January and February. 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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