HCC Focuses on Employers and Economic Recovery for Nevada’s 2021 Session
When the Nevada Legislature gavels into session on February 1, our legislators will need to maintain focus on critical policy items that will support Nevada’s economy and improve the lives of its residents by helping to make employers whole again.
Although the 2021 session may look a lot like Nevada’s 2020 special sessions by operating remotely (for the time being), you can be assured that your Henderson Chamber of Commerce will be fully engaged in discussions impacting our general membership, even if 2 a.m. video conference hearings occur again as they did during last summer’s special sessions.
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce, which represents nearly 1,800 members throughout Clark County employing more than 150,000 of our state’s workforce, will focus its energy on key items essential to rebuilding our economy.
Without question, we know that workers and employers in our state and in our county especially, have been hardest hit by outcomes of this pandemic. Thankfully, employment numbers show a slow, positive trend. Federal CARES Act monies helped our unemployed with much-needed resources and the recent State of the State Address given by Governor Sisolak outlines his commitment to focus on economic recovery.
However, our citizens need more support by way of pro-jobs policies that can aid our unemployed in getting back into paying jobs, so they may support themselves and their families. Our state needs to pursue pro-economic growth policies to create diverse sector job opportunities from employers who we can grow or attract to our state. Our legislators need to be laser-focused to ensure Nevada is in a position that protects good business owners and entrepreneurs, while removing themselves from day-to-day business dealings and creating red tape so businesses can do what they do best – innovate and create jobs. Above all, the Henderson Chamber looks to legislators to focus on balancing the state budget, their primary purpose, and seek to set aside unessential policy discussions during the 2021 session which pose to derail focus from our state’s most critical needs and potentially lay burden on employers, especially our neighborhood small businesses who have been impacted the most.
We value our members, and our focus is you. We know that some of your businesses have experienced tremendous growth throughout this pandemic. We know that for many business owners, your cash reserves that enabled you to stay afloat throughout these challenging times are or near depleted. For others, we know that you have liquidated your own personal savings to help keep your doors open and people employed. For some, we know you have had to close your doors permanently – truly terrible news to hear as most are small mom-and-pop shops and, ultimately, someone’s dream once pursued now ending.
For decades, the chamber has worked diligently to represent the voice of our business members. That dedication remains. Know that your chamber’s legislative committee has been activated since November 2020 and continues to work hard to serve as your voice during legislative sessions. The committee, chaired by Aviva Gordon (Gordon Law Office), together with the chamber team and contract lobby group, Carrara Nevada, formally meets weekly throughout the session to vet issues, reach out to members for insights, connect with bill sponsors, and provide verbal and written testimonies to support our business community. We appreciate the work and guidance this committee provides. Volunteer involvement from our membership makes the chamber and our community better.
Speaking of involvement and communication, throughout the session, every other week, you can expect to receive a Government Affairs e-blast from the chamber containing legislative updates. Be on the look-out for these starting in February. We also anticipate that our social media channels will also be used, in part, for legislative efforts this session, perhaps more than in previous years.
Additionally, pending the type of bills that gain traction by our legislators, you can rely on the chamber to actively reach out to our membership in order to gain insight as to how proposed legislation could impact your business – good or bad. We encourage our members to be responsive in those moments and we always find a way to provide data to support our legislative conversations while protecting the privacy of your business.
Finally, following the regular session, rest assured that the chamber provides our membership with a session report along with a debriefing program so members are informed about which policies moved forward, which did not and how new policies could impact your business. Details on this will come from our regular e-blasts.
To our business members, our neighbors: despite the challenges over the last 10 months, the Henderson Chamber is working hard to support and protect you. We will continue our work at all levels of government and strive to make these moments a chance to be Nevada’s finest hour. Respectfully, Amber Stidham Vice President of Government Affairs Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce (HCC) is the voice of business in government. It is the only organization in Henderson that represents businesses of all sizes, industries and stages. Through identifying the needs of its member organizations, the HCC harnesses the collective power of member businesses to influence government outcomes through its legislative and issues committees, as well as Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee (IMPAC).
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