Legislative Briefing
Henderson Chamber Advocates for Area Businesses as Session Commences
The 81st session began last week, with much less “oomph” than usual, the Legislative Building being closed to all but legislators, essential staff and a small media pool. Despite the changes implemented, legislative action is in full force. Both Budget and Committee hearings began this week, and the public is gaining more insight into the changes they will have to overcome in this session. For the most part, committee rules are remaining the same apart from the virtual component that they all now require. In the Assembly, while legislators do not have to be physically on the floor to vote on bills, they must be in the Legislative Building. As for the Senate, members only must be located anywhere in the state of Nevada to have a viable vote on bills.
Despite the logistical challenges of this session, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce continues to meet virtually with legislators, bill proponents and others on a regular basis, including hosting its weekly Legislative Committee meeting, to ensure the Chamber continues to keep your interests front and center with legislators and staff as the 120-day session continues to move forward.
As we continue to send legislative updates to members every other Friday throughout the session, members may also follow and participate in legislative efforts by visiting Nevada’s Legislature NELIS webpage or by watching live legislative hearings as they occur via Nevada’s Legislative “TV” channel. Chamber Backs Businesses with Feds
Two months into a new committee year, and the 21 members of the Issues Committee and its task forces are underway with its 2021 federal policy platform efforts following meetings with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, as well as one-on-one meetings with members of Nevada’s congressional delegation and Chamber staff. The committee plans to release its 2021 Federal Policy Platform Briefing Document within the next 30-60 days.
Meanwhile, the Chamber’s work in advocating for business amid the pandemic continues, with recent advocacy “wins” including the December Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) expansion and inclusion of additional nonprofits, which not only benefit chambers of commerce but also trade associations who play a vital role in Nevada’s travel and tourism industry, in addition to extending aid to struggling restaurants. The Chamber is also supporting efforts for a targeted and temporary business liability protection as discussions for a possible new stimulus package continue under the new Biden Administration. Chamber's IMPAC Continues to Track Candidates and Issues
Henderson Chamber’s IMPAC is dedicated to making Henderson and the entire Las Vegas Valley the best place to live, work and do business. This 23-person board works specifically on city, county and statewide issues to elect candidates and support ballot measures that are crucial to maintaining and improving the economic health of our community. Join our efforts to support our business community today. Be on the look-out for Chamber emails alerting you to IMPAC-centric programs, including the popular Pancakes & Politics, hosted twice annually, as well as the Campaign School, hosted every other year in the fall. Now, in its fourth biennial year, the school has helped a handful of would-be candidates find their footing to successfully run for and win a public office. Sisolak Lifts Some Current Restrictions Effective Monday
Additional Lifting Measures Could Be Introduced Now Through May 1
On Thursday, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak hosted a press conference to announce the lifting of some current COVID-19 business restrictions that could start as early as Monday, February 15 as a result of the state’s declining virus counts. Announcement included:
Beginning Monday, February 15 through May 1, the first round of capacity limitations will be lifted:
Pending COVID-19 numbers beginning March 15, venues can begin operating at 50% capacity and gatherings can increase to 250 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less.
All existing social distancing, face covering measures remain in place.
Adult entertainment establishments, nightclubs, day clubs and brothels will remain closed until at least May 1.
The Governor also emphasized his desire to have all school-aged children back to in-person classrooms as soon as safely possible. He also encouraged Nevadans to utilize the state’s Immunize Nevada resources to gain details on vaccinations or assistance to schedule appointments by visiting NVCovidFighter.org or calling 1-800-401-0946. Sisolak also announced that Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies would soon begin administering COVID-19 vaccines.
Ultimately, the Governor said, the goal is to continue lifting measures and then transition COVID-19 management to local authorities by May 1.
For a full report, visit the Nevada Health Response website. Press releases, bulletins, reports, directives and the state’s “Roadmap to Recover Safe Reopening Plan” are posted to the site.
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