Governor Sisolak's Weekly Newsletter 

3000dfdf

Weekly Newsletter

This week, I am proud to announce Nevada’s Rainy-Day Fund now has a balance of $340 million, this is approximately 85% of the pre-pandemic record and a sign our economy is recovering faster than ever. 

This Statewide accomplishment comes following the transfer of over $295 million from the State’s General Fund last week to further protect the State’s finances during times of emergencies. 
 
Our State had to make difficult choices at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to protect lives and livelihoods. My team put forward a balanced, thoughtful budget to lawmakers last year, and we've been monitoring our economic and financial progress regularly. 

Replenishing the Rainy-Day Fund will help set Nevada up for further success in the long term while we continue to focus on creating good-paying jobs for Nevadans. 

Thank you,  

Governor Sisolak 

 You can read my full press release here. 

Additional COVID-19 Testing Now Available at Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center 

(Photo Credit: Kolo 8)  

Nevadans, more COVID-19 testing availability is coming to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center starting Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, as the Nevada National Guard has been re-deployed to assist with operations. 

I remain grateful to the men and women of the Nevada National Guard for taking on this additional assignment to help with COVID-19 testing at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. I thank all those involved with the Washoe County Health District for their continued work. 

COVID-19 cases are still very high in Washoe County and this increase in testing availability comes at a crucial time. This federal, State, and local partnership is truly a great example of what we can accomplish when we're working together to aid in the COVID-19 response.  

To schedule a COVID-19 test appointment at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, follow this link. Residents can also call 775-328-2427, Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To read our full press release, click here.  

Nevada Ranks as No. 1 State for Solar Economy      

According to a new national report, we ranked as the state with the biggest solar economy. Nevada continues to lead the nation in terms of solar production and we’re going to continue to bring all the stakeholders to the table to ensure we are protecting our environment, combatting climate change and creating good-paying union jobs for our clean energy economy.  

Thanks to partial tax abatements and our state’s abundant sunshine, Nevada is committed to investing in our clean energy economy. As long as I am Governor, I will continue to put our new energy economy at the forefront.  

To read my full press release, click here.  

This Week’s Nevada Small Business Spotlight: “Lip Smacking Foodie Tours”    

Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is proud to be a home-grown Las Vegas company that has garnered a slew of awards for its pioneering culinary walking tours that have not only helped promote the city’s unprecedented array of acclaimed restaurants, but introduced them to a multitude of locals, tourists, and business travelers alike. 

The company was founded by Chicago native Donald Contursi, who fell in love with the city after moving here to garner a business management degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

After years of working as a server at some of Vegas’ most celebrated establishments to put himself through school, he came up with the novel idea to create a culinary experience that takes diners to multiple top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each venue with immediate seating and VIP service, all in one convenient outing. A professional tour guide leads the way, providing fascinating information about the Vegas sights along the way. 

Since its founding in 2014, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has gained a loyal following with many repeat customers for its tours both on and off The Strip. The company even expanded to offer tours on-demand in other cities across the country and in Canada. 

The company has reaped major accolades, including “Best Tour’’ award by Las Vegas Review-Journal for the past six years and “#1 Tour’’ by Yelp. Moreover, it has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, and USA Today. Additionally, it was given the honored distinction of “preferred partner member’’ of Virtuoso, the invitation-only network catering to luxury travel advisors. 

During the pandemic when stringent health mandates limited or curtailed dining indoors, Contursi bolstered his off-shoot sister company, Finger Licking Foodie Tours. Founded in 2019, it provides similar culinary tours, but at a more modest price point. These self-guided tours also are exclusive to the host’s invited guests only, and come complete with a cutting-edge e-guide. “In tough times, people need the uplifting power of great food, drink and conversation like never before,’’ Contursi says. “We hope our tours brighten people’s lives, and help restaurants rebound.’’  
Learn more by visiting their website. 

We did it, Nevada! During Nevada Health Link’s Open Enrollment Period, We Exceeded Our Goal of 100,000 Enrollees! 

101,409 Nevadans enrolled in health insurance and taken advantage of the savings through Nevada Health Link, nearly half have net premiums of $100 or less, and 88% received a subsidy. We are so proud of our hard-working team members who made sure Nevadans received affordable and comprehensive health coverage this year. 

Did you miss the chance to enroll during open enrollment? You may still be eligible for health insurance through Nevada Health Link if you have recently experienced a qualifying life event. Learn more about how to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period by clicking here.    

Save Time at a Nevada DMV Kiosk 

Need to renew your car’s registration, but don’t have internet access on the go? Try our self-service kiosks, where registration renewal can be completed in two minutes! Plus, you can print out your license plate tags, duplicate registration, your driving history, or even reinstate after an insurance suspension. Cash accepted! Nevada DMV has more than 40 digital kiosks located throughout the state to make registration renewal quick and easy. Check out https://nvdmvnowkiosk.com/ to find a kiosk near you.  

Historic Coin Press No. 1 Minting John C. Frémont Commemorative Medallions Saturdays Through February at Nevada State Museum, Carson City   

Nevada State Museum (NSM) in Carson City is pleased to announce they are once again minting commemorative medallions on historic Coin Press No. 1 Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  To honor John C. Frémont’s Jan. 21 birthday, the current medallion will feature the American military officer, cartographer, and politician, along with his famous cannon, through the end of February. Visitors may purchase a half-ounce planchet of .999 fine silver in the museum store for $75 and watch as it is minted just for them.

Learn more about the museum and its services by clicking here.    

GOED Names Davis Director of Rural Economic and Community Development  

Shari Davis has been appointed Director of Rural Economic and Community Development at the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
 
“Shari hails from Rural Nevada and brings a depth of experience to this position,” said Michael Brown, GOED Executive Director. “Having spent much of my career in Rural Nevada, I know there are tremendous economic opportunities outside of our urban areas that we have only begun to tap into. I’m confident Shari will continue GOED’s mission of partnering with our communities throughout the state.” 

Read the full press release by clicking here.  

Jocelyn Cortez Appointed to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission 

The Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Jocelyn Cortez to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. Based in Las Vegas, Ms. Cortez, is a proud Nevadan and an immigration attorney at GWP Immigration Law. 

Currently, Ms. Cortez represents clients from all over the world in obtaining U.S. citizenship, visas, and protection from deportation. She has assisted hundreds of individuals to apply for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), given presentations explaining immigration law for the public, and helped in citizenship and DACA application campaigns.

For more information click here.  

Desert Oasis Teff & Grain Selected as Good Food Award Recipient 

$8 million in Grants now Available to Nevada Agencies and Businesses to Help Replace Diesel Fleets and Equipment with Cleaner Alternatives  

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is offering public agencies, school districts, non-profits, and private businesses up to $8 million in VW grants to help replace diesel-powered vehicles and equipment – including freight trucks, delivery trucks, school buses, and transit buses – with low and zero-emission alternatives to reduce air pollution and support a healthy, sustainable Nevada. Grant applications are now being accepted through January 31, 2022.  

 
Apply online by clicking here or send your application to NevadaDEMF@ndep.nv.gov. 

Stay up to date on the latest news from Governor Sisolak by following his social media accounts or by visiting his website.

Note: Please do not reply to this email. Return emails will not be monitored by our office.