Weekly Newsletter

This has been a momentous week in the fight against COVID-19 in our State.  
  
On Wednesday, parents of kids 12 to 15 breathed a sigh of relief, as about 177,000 Nevadans in this age group became newly eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This occurred after a scientific review of clinical trial data by multiple agencies determined the vaccine to be safe and effective for this age group.  
  
This means almost all of our high school students and many in middle school can now be protected against COVID-19. Vaccines are ensuring Nevada’s kids can safely gather with friends, play sports and participate in activities, and they’ll help keep our teachers safe, our schools open and our children learning and thriving. Vaccines are available right now for all Nevadans 12 and older, many on a walk-in basis.  
  
And another smile-inducing development this week: The CDC issued updated guidance that people who are fully vaccinated — meaning two weeks past the final dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or two weeks past a single Janssen shot — do not need to wear masks in most indoor and outdoor locations. Nevada is following suit and announced we are in full alignment with these recommendations. It’s important to note that private entities may still require masks, and many Nevadans may continue using them based on their personal situation. But this policy update is a tangible reflection of the very real benefits of COVID-19 vaccines. 
  
As always, Nevadans are encouraged to visit nvcovidfighter.org or call 1-800-401-0946 to find your vaccine. Nevada has 3 million reasons to support lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines — and more than 3 million reasons to smile after this important week. Please consider getting vaccinated so we can stay healthy and happy!  
 
Thank you,

Gov Steve Sisolak  

Governor Sisolak Signs 6 Bills Into Law  

This week, I signed the following bills into law: 

• Assembly Bill 150  - Among other provisions and revisions, will grant the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) the ability to suspend or terminate a special license plate. 
  
  
• Senate Bill 74 - The bill clarifies that population totals certified by Governor annually are to be used when determining allocation and deposit of proceeds of basic city-county relief tax.
  
  
• Senate Bill 25 - Revises provisions governing the determination of whether food for human consumption is subject to sales and use taxes.  
  
  
• Assembly Bill 35 - Revises provisions governing certain programs to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities with costs relating to health care.
  
  
• Senate Bill 35 - Revises provisions relating to Private Investigator's Licensing Board. 
  
  
• Assembly Bill 138 - Revises provisions governing the eligibility of certain convicted persons for public assistance. 
  
  

Governor Sisolak Addresses 2020 Graduates at University of Nevada, Reno During Special Commencement Ceremony 
 

Governor Sisolak Introduces Legislation to Create Sales Tax Holiday for Nevada National Guard, Families 

Throughout the last year, the men and women of the Nevada National Guard have stepped up as the heroes we needed during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic is the largest and lengthiest state activation in the Nevada National Guard’s 160-year history. This sales tax holiday is one way we can show our deep gratitude and appreciation for all the Nevada Guard does for the Silver State, home and abroad. To view my full press release, click here.  

Governor Sisolak and First Lady Kathy Sisolak Join AAPI Heritage Month Celebration  

This week, First Lady Kathy Sisolak and I joined a virtual AAPI Heritage Month celebration. Asian history is at the heart of America and Nevada’s history. The State of Nevada has always been and will always be a safe and welcoming place for folks from all walks of life. Diversity is our strength.

Governor Sisolak Hosts Virtual Roundtable on Energy in Nevada

This week, I was proud to host today’s virtual Energy Roundtable that included two important panels with topics of discussion that are crucial for our State’s economic recovery: Transmission & Markets and Jobs & Economic Opportunity. A focus on NV’s energy economy will encourage economic growth, help create much-needed, well-paying job opportunities, and lead to additional renewable energy developments that will help strengthen our collective efforts as we build our clean energy infrastructure. To view the recorded event, click here or on the image above.  

Governor Sisolak Participates in annual 2021 State of Nevada Wildland Fire Briefing 

This week, I participated in the annual 2021 State of Nevada Wildland Fire Briefing. Thank you to all the organizations who came together for this presentation. I also signed a proclamation declaring May through October as the Nevada Wildfire Awareness Campaign which can be found here.  

Governor Sisolak joins Jobs for America’s Graduates Leaders in Virtual Press Conference to Address Preventing ‘A Lost Generation’ in the Wake of COVID-19

Across the country, we are all deeply concerned about the loss of learning and the many students who are re-engaging with their schools. We know it will take immediate and sustained efforts to mitigate that amount of learning loss, re-engage students, and help them succeed in the future. JAG provides a great opportunity for young people to move into the economy and into jobs they might not otherwise have been exposed to.

Governor Sisolak Issues Proclamation Declaring May 2021 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Nevada 

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) is observed during the month of May, paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Nevada is proud to be home to one of the fastest growing Asian American populations in the United States and their contributions to the state’s rich history, economy, and culture are invaluable. Click here to view the full proclamation.  

Here are some ways to continue to celebrate and honor the contributions and accomplishments of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Nevada: Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project, Spring 2021 GraduAsian, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration by OCA Las Vegas, Amplifying AAPI Voices in Tech virtual, Las Vegas Library District page 

This week’s Nevada Small Business Spotlight: “Sambalatte”  

Sambalatte was established in 2010 and quickly became the pioneer for specialty coffee in Las Vegas. This local favorite currently has four locations, the location at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is temporarily closed, with hopes to reopen once shows resume at The Smith
Center.

Sambalatte Roastery stands for quality in its product, its relationships with its coffee producers are extremely valuable. Sambalatte always wants to ensure that the beans being brought to the consumers are sustainably sourced and have traceability. Their goal is to educate their consumers in understanding the coffee culture from the other side.

“This past year has been one the most difficult time for any small business to survive and be able to manage the storm that hit all of us so fast and so hard,” said Sambalatte owner Luiz Oliveira. “We are so appreciative of statewide grants, such as the PETS Small Business Grant, which assisted us in navigating the storm with continued hope that we will arrive safely at dock.”

For more information about Sambalatte please visit its website HERE, or find them on social media using the hashtag - #sambalatte.

Unemployment Work Search Explained

With the return of the pre-pandemic work search requirement for all claimants receiving unemployment benefits in both the regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs, claimants have had lots of questions about what work search is and how many activities they should participate in. This video from Workforce Connections explains more about the process for PUA claimants, and it applies to regular UI as well. To learn more, click here or on the video above.

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

More than 1,080,926 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. 

NDOW Continues Monitoring the Health of Popular Hemenway Park Bighorn Sheep  

The Nevada Department of Wildlife recently completed health assessments on bighorn sheep at Boulder City’s Hemenway Park. The goal of the project is to monitor the sheep for diseases and remove worn out collars they were outfitted with in 2010 and 2014. The collars allowed biologist to understand the growth and lifespan of the population. To learn more and see how biologists conducted the project watch this video. 

Capitol Turns 150; Museum to Mint Special Medallion May 18 in Carson City 

The Nevada State Museum, Carson City, will activate historical Coin Press No. 1 from 1 to 7 p.m. May 18 to mint a special medallion commemorating the state Capitol building. Opened in 1871, the Nevada Capitol building celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The special medallion is modeled after one of the earliest images of the Capitol, and features a banner with the state motto, “All for Our Country.” To learn more, click here.  

The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Nevada Department of Education Announce Student Winners of the State High School Diploma Seals for STEM and STEAM. 

The Nevada State Seals of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (STEM and Arts) recognize students who graduate from high school and have attained a high level of proficiency STEM or STEAM subjects. To determine the official images for each Seal, a design contest was held for all K-12 students throughout the State of Nevada during the month of March; we received over 50 creative submissions. The STEM Seal Awardee is Chanel Koh from West Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas. The STEAM Seal Awardee is Korin Sjostrom from Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. 

NDOT Wants Your Vote For Traffic Safety Messages 

The Nevada Department of Transportation wants your vote for electronic highway sign traffic safety messages to remind motorists to drive safely. Visit their website before June 15 to vote for your top three selections from a mixture of popular national driving safety messages and original messages submitted by Nevadans. The winning messages will periodically be displayed on some of the approximately 400 electronic freeway signs statewide. 

Boards & Commissions

I am proud to announce 46 appointments were made to State of Nevada boards, commissions, and agencies during the month of April. 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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