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Weekly Newsletter

This week, Nevada continued to make incredible progress in our fight against COVID-19, including expanding vaccine eligibility in different areas of the State so that more Nevadans can access this life-saving vaccine. There is so much more work ahead, but I am filled with hope, and I hope you are too. 


For the first time in six months, none of Nevada’s counties are flagged for having an elevated risk of transmission according to statistics used by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. That’s a remarkable achievement and it’s because Nevadans continue to take steps to protect themselves and their families from this devastating virus. That includes wearing your mask and getting a vaccine when eligible. 


This week, I was joined by Albertsons and workers from the United Food and Commercial Workers (U.F.C.W.) Local 711 to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Grocery store workers have been essential to all Nevadans throughout the pandemic, showing up every day and working overtime to keep stores clean and shelves stocked. I was honored to spend time with them and join them publicly to get my vaccine and encourage others who are eligible to do the same. 
  
In other exciting news, under the collective goal of vaccinating as many Nevadans as possible in accordance with the Nevada COVID-19 Vaccine Playbook, the Southern Nevada Health District is beginning to vaccinate food service and hospitality workers in Clark County. This includes: Restaurant and quick-serve food operations, workers in cafeterias, frontline hospitality workers - including casino and resort employees.   
Additionally, the State is working with the Nevada Board of Pharmacy to open appointments at pharmacy locations next week to those 55+ with underlying health conditions, individuals with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness statewide. Please keep an eye out for more information soon. 


 I encourage all Nevadans who are eligible for the vaccine to take advantage of the opportunity and to make an appointment and accept any vaccine available. Nevadans can visit NVCOVIDFighter.org or call 1.800.401.0946 to learn more.  


Thank you - 
Governor Steve Sisolak 

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

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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 surprises small business owners by awarding them a PETS grant 

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I was so excited to surprise several of Nevada’s hardworking businesses to let them know 
they had been awarded a small business grant. Nevada’s small businesses are the backbone of our State and thanks to the recently expanded small business grant program, we can continue to help Nevada’s small businesses keep their doors open, workers employed, and allow them to keep on providing the essential services we need. To learn more about PETS grant program click here.  View the full video of me calling the PETS recipients here: Gov. Sisolak surprises small businesses with grant funding 

Governor Sisolak Invited to Speak at the Alzheimer’s Association Meeting

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This week, I was grateful to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northern CA & Northern NV Chapter for allowing me speak at their meeting. Their work and their mission is of great importance to the people they help support and the families living with the Alzheimer's disease. I was honored by the many courageous and heartfelt stories that were shared. 

 

Governor Sisolak Addresses Clark County Fire Department’s Newest Graduation Class  

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Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited by the Clark County Fire Department to virtually speak to their newest graduating class bravely nicknamed “Pandemic Pride”. This graduation ceremony was a symbol of hope for our community as firefighters have always played a crucial role in keeping Nevadans safe. 

Get the most out of your health insurance coverage 

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The best way to use your health plan is to fully understand it. Be sure to review all plan documents so you know what your benefits are and how much your insurance covers


Learn More About Your Health Coverage 

As a reminder, all plans through Nevada Health Link cover COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccinations when they become available to you. There is no need to buy additional insurance for COVID coverage, despite what some are fraudulently promoting. 


Learn More About Nevada's Covid-19 Plan  


If you missed the 2021 Open Enrollment period for health insurance, we've got great news! From now through May 15th, if you need health insurance and don't have access to employer-sponsored insurance or are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to enroll in a comprehensive plan through Nevada Health Link.  

Learn More and Get Covered Now 
 

Nevada’s Small Business Highlight: Gritz Café    

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This week’s highlight is Gritz Café:  Located in the heart of Las Vega’s Historic Westside, this community-based Café has been in business for 14 years and continues to carry the mission of feeding the “community’s soul” through these times and beyond. The owner, Trina Jiles, became Clark County Fire Department’s first Black female fire fighter, and continues to fight on building a better future for her restaurant and others by giving back to the community. 

     “I believe it is important that we continue to make sure that we provide some assistance to youth organizations that are trying to make an impact on our youth and bring them up in a better light,” said Trina Jiles. Additionally, she encourages other Nevada businesses to, “Think outside of the box, keep growing, and most importantly create more jobs and opportunities for the people of our community.”      

      From their number one seller, chicken & waffles, to their southern fried chicken and famous grits, you can find anything that brings you that Southern comfort. Learn more about Gritz Café by visiting their website here.  

To view the full coverage video report conducted by Channel 8 News Now, click here

Take A Survey Help US Create a Lasting 1 October Memorial    

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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.  
 

DMV Reaches out to Hispanic community 

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The DMV has launched a new campaign, “Ponte online con DMV,” to raise awareness and usage of its online services and kiosks among Nevada’s Hispanic community, which makes up 29% of the state’s population. Customers can visit dmvnv.com/enlinea to get started. “Ponte Online con DMV” features a dedicated Facebook page, facebook.com/dmvenlinea, to serve Hispanic customers directly and advertising in Spanish media.  DMV kiosks offer services in Spanish as well.  The DMV expects the campaign to help increase the usage of online services and kiosks, which in turn reduces the number of customers who must visit an office. 

 

Help us keep kids safely in their community by becoming a Foster Parent     

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Foster parents are a critical part of the child welfare team. They support children in preparing them for reunification with their birth parents or for adoption. Currently, there are roughly 400 children in Rural Nevada that are in foster care. Every day, more children and youth enter the foster care system and need safe, loving homes.  Become a Foster Parent in Rural Nevada! Follow this link. 

MENTORS NEEDED

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The Nevada Promise Scholarship is designed to help students by covering unmet eligible registration fees at a community college after state and federal aid is exhausted. The students participating are required to complete community service, and to meet with a mentor, every semester. Since the pandemic began NSHE has seen a drop in mentors signing up for the program. Please consider becoming a mentor. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. NSHE’s institutions will provide the training. They simply need responsible adults who have a few hours a semester to contribute for meetings with mentees.  Learn more here.   

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

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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.  

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

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More than 717,086 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

Nevada Awarded Grant to Accelerate COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Efforts

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Nevada has been selected as the inaugural cohort of states in the Workforce Innovation Network, the National Governors Association (NGA) and Cognizant U.S. Foundation announced today. The state will receive a grant to improve employment outcomes in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19, connecting job seekers to training, education, job opportunities and essential support services. To view the full press release, click here.  

 

Deadlines extended for funding to enhance specialty crops in Nevada 

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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. 
 

Log On for State Transportation Information 

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Update your bookmarks!  The Nevada Department of Transportation’s nevadadot.com web site address has changed to dot.nv.gov. You will still find the same state transportation information at the new address. You can also continue to visit nvroads.com for up-to-the-minute state highway conditions. The previous nevadadot.com address will automatically be redirected to dot.nv.gov for a limited time. To ease the transition, please open your frequently-visited nevadadot.com web pages and re-bookmark under the new dot.nv.gov website address. 

Willette Gerald and the Las Vegas Raiders Foundation Receive Special Recognition and Honor from Governor Sisolak

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Congratulations to Willette Gerald (Willette) and the Las Vegas Raiders Foundation. Due to their amazing support of veterans and their community,  Willette has been named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Las Vegas Raiders Foundation as Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM) for March 2021. Find out why they are receiving this special recognition and honor, and how you may submit a nominee if you feel a veteran or an organization and/or group is worthy and qualifies as a Veteran of the Month or Veteran Supporter of the Month, click here.  

Washoe County student wins state Poetry Out Loud contest 

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 Eakjot Sekhon, a junior at Robert McQueen High School in Reno, has won the 2021 Nevada Poetry Out Loud Competition. The competition, coordinated by the Nevada Arts Council in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, was virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sekhon will represent Nevada at the National Poetry Out Loud contest, also virtual, in May. Next year’s competition will begin Sept. 1. Interested students and teachers may visit the Nevada Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud page.   

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

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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.  

NDOW Highlights Women in Conservation for Women’s History Month 

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All month long, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is celebrating Women’s History Month with variety of educational webinars and posts on the agency’s Facebook(@NvDOW) and Instagram(@nevadawildlife) that highlight the amazing work of women in conservation! Check out the video below featuring NDOW Game Biologist Kari Huebner, the agency's first female game biologist. See the work Kari has done for the agency here and be sure to check our NDOW’s Facebook and Instagram to see more of the women who have made contributions to Nevada’s wildlife and habitats! 

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 10,548, up 1,340 claims, or 14.6%, compared to the previous week’s total of 9,208 claims. Regular continued claims totaled 72,058 claims, a decrease of 489 claims, or 0.7%, from the previous week’s total of 72,547.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 5,152 initial claims filed in the week ending March 6, a decrease of 1,588 claims, or 23.6%, from last week’s total of 6,740. Initial applications for the PUA program continue to be highly variable due to ongoing high levels of fraudulent applications. Through the week ending March 6, there have been a total of 1,098,849 PUA initial claims filed. 

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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. 

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Boards & Commissions

I am 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. 

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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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