VOICES

100 days of fighting for Nevada families | Steve Sisolak

Steve Sisolak

Exactly 100 days ago, I took the oath of office as Nevada’s 30th governor. In my first 100 days, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things on behalf of Nevadans, and my administration continues to work hard to make progress on my priorities for all of our families. 

When I was campaigning for governor, my focus was simple: Make sure that Nevada’s economic recovery reaches every family, that our schools prepare every child to reach his or her potential, and that our health care system is there for every Nevadan who needs it. Those three principles will anchor my administration throughout my term. It’s why I included, for the first time in over a decade, a much-deserved raise for Nevada educators in my recommended budget — a commitment I made in my State of the State and reiterate today. It’s also why, under my administration, Nevada will continue supporting the Affordable Care Act, including protections for pre-existing conditions. Our state is on the front lines defending the ACA against misguided attempts to dismantle the entire law and throw our health care system into chaos. 

More:State of State: Sisolak wants Nevada pot oversight board, no new taxes, education spending

Another central issue of my campaign was strengthening public safety for all Nevadans. That’s why one of my proudest moments so far as governor was signing Senate Bill 143, which will close the background check loophole and cement the will of the voters into law. With this new law, we’re taking an important step to keep Nevada families safer by making it harder for potentially dangerous individuals to access a firearm. 

Nevadans’ safety is my top priority, which is why, when I learned just a few weeks into my administration that the U.S. Department of Energy had secretly shipped half a metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium to our state, I joined our congressional delegation in standing up to the Department’s duplicitousness and reckless disregard for our safety. I will continue to use every tool available to ensure Nevada doesn’t become America’s nuclear dumping ground — that includes blocking Yucca Mountain. 

More:Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak requests meeting with Trump on secret plutonium shipment

We live in the most beautiful state in the nation, and we must do all we can to protect Nevada’s environment. I said in my State of the State address that I will not spend a single second debating the reality of climate change and its impact on Nevada. That’s why I joined my fellow governors from both parties last month in the U.S. Climate Alliance. With Nevada as its newest member, the Climate Alliance represents more than half the U.S. population and 57 percent of the U.S. economy — that’s $11 trillion. Joining the Climate Alliance marks a new chapter in Nevada’s clean energy future — one that will lead to better lives for our children and more economic development and job creation for workers. 

And when it comes to job creation, our marijuana industry is outpacing expectations. One of my first actions as governor was forming an advisory panel to create Nevada’s first-ever Cannabis Compliance Board, which will ensure this critical part of our state’s economy is positioned to become the gold standard for the nation. I also worked with the Department of Taxation to introduce legislation that addresses transparency concerns with the marijuana licensing process that was in place when I entered this office. This is a critical step to ensuring this flourishing industry operates fairly and openly. 

And as we look toward the future of our state, one key event will have a major impact: the 2020 Census. Earlier this month, I ordered the formation of Nevada’s Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census, which will oversee the state’s outreach and coordination efforts to encourage Nevadans to participate in the 2020 Census, especially those who belong to historically undercounted communities. This is crucial because the 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, state redistricting, and over $675 billion in federal grant allocations for the next decade.

These are just some of the things my administration has accomplished in our first 100 days — and I couldn’t have done these things without my incredible family and team, including my staff and cabinet. I am beyond humbled and grateful to have the chance to wake up each day and fight for Nevadans. Serving as your governor is the honor of my lifetime, and I look forward to working hard for you every single day for the next four years.

Steve Sisolak is Nevada governor.

Have your say:How to submit an opinion column or letter to the editor