Republican Response to Governor's State Address

Nevada State Assemblywoman and Assembly Republican Leader, Dr. Robin Titus, delivered a response to Governor Steve Sisolak’s State of the State address on January 19th. 
Immunizing and improving health care across Nevada topped the priority list of Assemblywoman Titus, along with education, economic recovery, government transparency, and meaningful election reform. 
According to Titus, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fault lines in Nevada’s healthcare system. “This is allowing us to implement common-sense reforms that will provide equitable and accessible healthcare to all Nevadans. Referring to a recent UNR study and the American Association of Medical Colleges, Nevada is 48th in the nation for the number of primary care doctors per 100,000 people. “We must expand our healthcare workforce to provide efficient and affordable healthcare to all communities.” It is the goal of the Republicans to bring forth solutions that will remove burdensome regulations and create incentives for new doctors, thereby keeping more doctors in Nevada. 
In addition to the problems within Nevada’s health care system, Titus expressed concern about other health-care crises that go beyond the pandemic itself. “Opioid abuse and mental health problems continue to devastate the lives of many Nevadans. We can’t ignore these issues, but we also shouldn’t exacerbate the problem through restrictive policies.” 
Next, Titus addressed the educational shortfall in Nevada. “Education is the most important foundation for bettering the lives of every Nevada child, who all deserve the opportunity of a quality education,” said Titus. “However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our efforts to keep Nevada families safe, education priorities were disrupted.” Even though the State put forth a “herculean effort” to connect students to education remotely, it was a short-term solution. “If we are to minimize the achievement gap, we must get our kids back in the classroom,” she said. 
A skilled Nevada workforce was next on the agenda. Titus expressed the ongoing need for skilled workforce training and technical education options in Nevada, as she believes they pave the way for well-paying careers statewide. “We must ensure we are training for the jobs of tomorrow. Workforce development and investment are critical for Nevada to be competitive.” 
Economic recovery is also part of the Republican plan going forward. Despite the need to slow down the spread of the virus, Titus also believes it is important to keep the state open for business and help unemployed or underemployed Nevadans get back to work, “We must safeguard livelihoods by using our knowledge to spread mitigation and workforce vaccine integration.”  
“Mining is the bedrock of our economy, and we are proud to have some of the safest and most environmentally responsible mining operators in the world,” explained Titus. “Our tourism industry sees millions of visitors a year and provides good-paying jobs to thousands of Nevadans. We must resist any effort to raise taxes on the backs of businesses.” 
Further addressing the business shutdowns that began last March and the overwhelming impact it had on the State’s unemployment system, Titus expressed concern about the financial instability that ensued along with the devastating impact it had on Nevada families. “DETR’s unemployment system was inefficient and insecure; as a result, between 133,000 and 185,000 fraudulent jobless claims were filed, which cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said the assemblywoman. 
Titus reported that a recent study found that 60% of business closures due to COVID-19 are permanent. With a possibility of harsher restrictions, sales revenue would decline further, leaving more Nevadans without jobs and placing an even greater burden on the unemployment system. Our state cannot afford this. “Any blanket government shutdown is not sustainable and threatens the livelihood of many Nevadans still trying to recover from the first mandatory shutdown.” 
“We saw the limitations our state government faced as it responded to the crisis.” Titus acknowledged the many challenges the State faced while trying to keep people safe and keep the economy going. It became evident that some things needed to change.  
An effective and accountable government is also on the Republican agenda. “Republicans will continue to fight for limited government, individual liberty, and policies that will allow our businesses to thrive and our citizens to earn a living.” Along with this statement comes a promise that the Republican will work to reign state government overreach and safeguard individual liberty during the upcoming legislative session. 
Last on the Assembly Republican Leader's list was the current state of electoral voting. As stated in her address, confidence in our electoral integrity has reached an all-time low. “This is troubling because voting is a pressure relief valve that maintains stability and peace in a democracy by keeping politicians accountable,” Titus explained. “But for it to work, the citizenry must trust only legitimate votes are counted. Votes are the currency of our democratic republic and must be respected.” Republicans are introducing new bills to reform and restore confidence in Nevada’s democratic process. 
This year, Nevada will be redistricting, according to Titus. “It is our duty to give the public a fair and transparent process devoid of special interests and gerrymandering. Constituents of all legislative districts deserve a seat at the table. We must return to civil debate and open and honest discourse, which is the foundation of good governance.” 
In her final remarks, Titus stated, “Together, let us lead by example and conduct ourselves with honor, respect, and dignity.”