Weekly Newsletter

Nevada is home to roughly 3 million people — that’s 3 million reasons to unite behind life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. I wanted to take a moment to remind all Nevadans that beginning Monday, April 5, ALL those16 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

These vaccines are safe, effective, and free. This timeline is possible due to increased production and distribution by the federal government, and especially because of the incredible work being done by our State and local public health officials and partners.  

We all want to get back to the moments the pandemic put on hold, and getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a key part in our return to normal. They will protect you and your family, and they will help restore and strengthen our communities. 

It will take time to vaccinate all eligible Nevadans, so I remind you: Please be patient as you search for vaccine appointments, and be persistent — availability of vaccine and appointments will still be dependent on the allocation of doses Nevada receives from the federal government. But know that we are using every resource to remove barriers and increase access for everyone, including our most vulnerable neighbors. Please visit NVCOVIDFighter.org for more information. 

Our goal is as many shots in arms as soon as possible, and you can rest assured that our goal is not realized until there is an available vaccine for every Nevadan who wants one.  
Because every Nevadan counts — all 3 million of you.  
 
Thank you, 
Governor Steve Sisolak 

Governor Sisolak announces extension to State residential eviction moratorium 

Nevada Small Business Spotlight: Antique Rose Florist, Henderson 

This week’s business highlight, Antique Rose Florist, is located at 338 S. Water Street in Henderson – the same location as when Debbie and Dick Montoya first opened in December 1979. In that 49-plus years of operation, they are quite familiar with the ups and downs of Nevada’s economy. 

“When we started, there were 26,000 people in Henderson and now it’s over 400,000,” Debbie Montoya said. “We’ve definitely seen it all.” 

The Covid-19 pandemic was both a challenge and a blessing for Antique Rose Florist. “We were very busy,” Debbie Montoya said. “We had a lot of business related to family – to missing family since so many were separated. Since they couldn’t see their loved ones in person, they were wanting to send flowers.” Knowing the importance to families, Montoya said the business took steps to make each delivery extra special. “Every delivery would include a cupcake or something special that the family would want. We always try to go that extra mile because we know how important the family is.” 

The services ranged from birthdays to hospital stays to funerals and most of the other milestone events that families experience. In recent weeks, the number of weddings has been increasing, a sign things are slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. 

The Montoyas have relied on their faith, their faithful customers and experience of more than 40 years in business. “Every arrangement that goes out of here gets a butterfly,” Debbie Montoya said. “Butterflies signify new life, new beginnings.” 

The full services of Antique Rose Florist is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Its full services can be seen here.

100% Subsidized COBRA Insurance Available for Nevadans who Lost Their Health Insurance 

The American Rescue plan Act of 2021 has created even more opportunities for Nevadans to save on health insurance coverage. Among those who can benefit from this new law are people who lost their health insurance after they lost their job, or their hours were reduced. Starting April 1 until September 30, 2021, Nevadans have the option to obtain COBRA insurance at no premium cost for six months. Read full release here.

It’s decision time on Real ID 

Do you have a Real ID driver's license or ID card?  Pull it out and take a look. If there is a gold star in the upper right corner, you already have a Real ID. You're good to go. 
If not, do you need one?  Starting October 1, you will need a Real ID, a passport or another acceptable ID to board commercial aircraft.  If you'll be flying and don't have another type of ID, make your DMV appointment right away to avoid a rush this fall. You can upgrade to Real ID at the same time you do another DMV transaction, even a car registration. Visit GetRealNevada.com to find out if a Real ID is right for you

Less than Two Months Left of Nevada’s Tax Amnesty Program 

On Monday, February 1, 2021, the Nevada Department of Taxation kicked off the first day of the Tax Amnesty program. The amnesty program will run through May 1, 2021 and will allow for penalty and interest to be waived for those with unpaid tax debt in Nevada, provided the outstanding tax debt meets certain criteria. More details on Tax Amnesty here.  

GOED Board approves nine companies that will grow skilled labor force

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board today approved nine companies that will receive $4.7 million in abatements over two years that will result in an estimated 1,325 permanent jobs over the next five years with a weighted average hourly wage of $29.87. To view their full press release, click here.  

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

More than 846,886 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. 

Despite COVID-19, NDOW Programs and People Shine

Despite the disruptions and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) can look back on 2020 as a year of achievement. NDOW personnel rose to the occasion and made the adjustments needed for the agency to continue to fulfill its mission to protect, conserve, manage, and restore Nevada’s wildlife and its habitat; promote boating safety; and educate the public on a variety of fronts.  Now one year since the pandemic began, the Department is reflecting upon and sharing its accomplishments. You can view them here. 

Nevada poets: apply by April 23 for Nevada poet laureate position

The Nevada Arts Council is accepting applications for the role of poet laureate through April 23. Applications of qualified individuals will be submitted to the Governor’s Office for final review and appointment. The Nevada poet laureate will serve a two-year term, from May 2021 to May 2023, and receive a $5,000 Artists Project Grant each year. For more details, click here.  

New director joins Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, on April 5 

Unemployment Update

Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) totaled 11,677, up 4,036 claims, or 52.8%, compared to the previous week’s total of 7,641 claims. Regular continued claims totaled 70,509 claims, an decrease of 1,216 claims, or 1.7%, from the previous week’s total of 71,725.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits for self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers saw 2,973 initial claims filed in the week ending March 27, a decline of 2,227 claims, or 74.9%, from last week’s total of 2,973. Initial applications for the PUA program continue to be highly variable due to ongoing high levels of fraudulent applications. Through the week ending March 27, there have been a total of 1,106,654 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. 

• COVID-19 Task Force Assessments 
• COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report 
• Daily COVID Press Bulletins 
  

Boards & Commissions

I am proud to announce 42 appointments were made to State of Nevada boards, commissions, and agencies during the months 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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