The Churchill County Republicans gathered on March 18 for their annual fundraising event. Not only were several city and county officials in attendance, but major party players like newly elected Governor Lombardo and U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei energized the crowd with plans to improve things for the residents of the Silver State.
In his opening comments, Governor Lombardo joked, “The legislature hasn’t eaten me yet.” Even so, there is a rough road ahead for the new governor. Echoing the concerns of Assemblyman Dr. Koenig and State Senator Dr. Robin Titus, who briefly addressed the crowd, Lombardo discussed the possibility of a democrat super majority, as the democrats already maintain control of both houses of the state legislature. A super major will mean a loss of veto power on some bills, giving unbalanced power to the party. It is his hope and expectation, however, that through communication, that scenario can be avoided and the need for vetoes unnecessary.
In line with his platform, the governor plans to improve the state’s educational system, in both school choice and safety, as well as work toward criminal justice and election reform. Lombardo also aims to try to minimize state government, or make it efficient, stating, “The State of Nevada is deplorable on how it’s been able to operate up until now.”
Upon taking office, the governor first tackled rescinding what he called “draconian covid measures.” Getting Nevada state employees back in the office and the state back to pre-covid conditions is paramount to Lombardo. “The state government is a service agency, and we are not providing service to our constituents and the people that put us in office,” said Lombardo. He further explained there is currently a 25% vacancy factor, leaving many state jobs unfilled. In response, he aims to implement a raise across the board for all state employees. “There are 35 state employees on welfare,” said Lombardo. “I was flabbergasted when I was told that. That is how deplorable our pay is.” He plans to change the existing paradigm by getting good people in those positions and paying them adequately. “We need to make sure our state employees can earn a good living and have a good quality of life,” said the governor.
Restructuring the state’s business regulations and occupational licensing is another priority on the governor’s agenda. According to Lombardo, qualified professionals like doctors and nurses cannot come to Nevada without wading through a year or more of red tape, education, or certifications before beginning work in their field. “It’s no secret,” said Lombardo, “we have a workforce issue in Nevada, and we are one of the worst-rated states for doing business and with occupational licensing.”
Another ambitious goal for Nevada’s top-ranking elected official is to inject $2 billion into the state’s education system. “I know what you are saying. Money is not going to solve it. But this removes all the excuses in the programs, policies, procedures, and everything else. Everyone in this state has made excuses for our education system,” he said. Along with the high-dollar cash infusion will come high-stakes accountability. According to the governor, jobs will be lost if Nevada hasn’t improved its educational ranking in two years.
At the same time, the governor plans to save $2 billion. All the money doled out in stimulus packages via the CARES Act during covid will come due in two years. For every dollar we spend, a dollar will go into savings, explained Lombardo. “We have to ensure we have the ability to function as a government and take care of the people in the State of Nevada passed the two-year mark when the bill comes due.”
U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei and other attending speakers expressed their dedication to ensuring that Nevada’s rural counties, like Churchill, do not go underrepresented in Washington or Carson City. With federal land bills, the Navy range expansion, tribal concerns, population growth, pressure to generate greener energy, and more, rural representation is more important than ever. In part, this is being made possible with the help and support of Fallon’s republican party, who have helped keep Amodei in office and see Lombardo elected.
Throughout the event, which filled the Convention Center to bursting, eventgoers were openly optimistic about Nevada’s new governor and his plans for a robust post-covid recovery and regeneration period.
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