FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2023
Contact: Amber Falgout, afalgout@battlebornprogress, 775.657.0433
Battle Born Progress on Republican Obstruction and Governor Lombardo’s Special Session Proclamation
Carson City, Nev. — Today, roughly 18 hours after the 82nd legislative session adjourned Sine Die, Governor Joe Lombardo called for a special session of the legislature. This call for the state’s 34th special session comes on the heels of Republican obstruction and incompetence in the Senate, led by Minority Leader Heidi Seevers-Gansert, as the minority caucus made last-minute demands for AB521, the Capital Improvements Budget — one of five budgets that has critical needs for the state — with under an hour remaining in the regular session. The Special Session, according to reporter Steve Sebelius, will begin tonight at 8 p.m.
The obstruction from Minority Leader Seevers-Gansert hinged on demands related to vouchers and charter schools at the literal eleventh hour to hold up AB521 and force a special session of the legislature, wasting taxpayer dollars and putting the future of the state in flux. Gansert called the necessary investments in the bill — fought for by Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro — “pork” on the floor.
AB521 was part of a package of budget bills making historic investments in Nevada. AB521 would have provided an estimated $120.8 million in veterans’ homes and memorial improvements, $11.7 million for public safety improvements, and $60.3 million for healthcare and child welfare — among other improvements. At one point the Senate Minority Leader called these programs “pork” on the Senate floor, showing a clear lack of understanding about what this money will be used for and how everyday Nevadans were once again an afterthought for Republicans in this process. The only pork we have seen this session is for demands around voucher schemes and stadium scams led by the Governor himself.
These last-minute political games by Senate Republicans come on the heels of an entire session of unnecessary delays and obstruction by Governor Lombardo himself — needlessly vetoing the Appropriations Act, AB520, until it appeared on his desk with the exact same language but with a new number, SB511.
Battle Born Progress Executive Director Annette Magnus released the following statement:
“We anticipated selfishness and childishness leading into the final days of the Legislative Session, but the obstruction perpetrated by the Republican caucus of the Nevada Senate last night shows a clear and deliberate attempt to force the legislature into a special session, wasting taxpayer dollars and delaying necessary improvements for our state and our neighbors. After an entire session of putting politics over people by Governor Lombardo, the unethical and deceitful tactics used by Minority Leader Seevers-Gansert to hold our state hostage on behalf of school vouchers and charter schools was the final nail in the coffin for any respect and integrity the Republican caucus has in the Legislature.
The Capital Improvements Budget, AB521, was a critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing essential infrastructure needs and making vital investments in the state’s future. By voting against its passage as they did in 2017, Nevada Senate Republicans have once again shown a blatant disregard for the well-being of the state and its citizens. This unnecessary tantrum has led to a special session that could have been avoided, costing taxpayers significant amounts of money that could have been better utilized elsewhere.
During their last-minute obstructionism, the Senate Minority Leader called crucial programs funded in the Capital Improvements Budget “pork” on the Senate floor, showing a clear lack of understanding about what this money will be used for and how everyday Nevadans were once again an afterthought for Republicans in this process. The only pork we have seen this session is for demands around voucher schemes and stadium scams led by the Governor himself.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to see Governor Joe Lombardo’s role in delaying the process from the very beginning. The irresponsible veto of AB520, the Appropriations Act, until it appeared on his desk again under a different name, SB511, raises serious concerns about his commitment to transparency and his unwillingness to cooperate in the legislative process — it was an apparent display of politicking at the sake of the people of our state and a clear show of incompetence.
The people of Nevada elected their representatives to work in the best interest of the state, to advance legislation that improves the lives of its residents, and to utilize taxpayer dollars responsibly. The obstructionist tactics employed by Nevada Senate Republicans, supported by the Governor’s own delays and maneuvers, go against the principles of good governance and accountability.
The citizens of Nevada deserve elected officials who are committed to upholding the democratic process, delivering results, and protecting their families and their paychecks. This trust has been consistently broken by Governor Lombardo and the Republican caucus in the legislature. While we wait to see what topics the legislature is permitted to address during the Special Session, we will also continue to fight against the Stadium Scam and any other waste of public dollars for private greed.”
SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media. Learn more at https://battlebornprogress.org/.
