Some Nevada Democrats said the state’s new Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo missed the mark on addressing key issues and putting forth solutions during his State of the State speech.
Lombardo will have to work with a Democratic-controlled Assembly, which could lead to partisan disagreements in the upcoming session.
Asw. Selena Torres, D-Las Vegas, a member of the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus, said in her eyes, Lombardo failed to address crucial issues for the state, including health care, housing, public safety and clean energy. Torres noted Lombardo did not speak on what he plans to do to help Latino families in Nevada, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is the second-largest demographic in the state.
“He focused a lot on what he is going to do for wealthy corporations and wealthy families in the State of Nevada,” Torres pointed out. “But I think we’re missing key elements of what he is planning to do for the working-class families in our community.”
Lombardo did lay out plans to put away a hefty amount of state dollars in savings, cut gas and payroll taxes and increase public school spending, as well as expand the controversial school-choice program, something for which he received praise from fellow Republicans.
Torres pointed out the Latino Caucus priorities this session will surround health care, education, language access and housing.
She argued Lombardo failed to touch on a number of health care-related issues she sees as paramount, such as bringing more health care providers to the state. She also said abortion is top of mind for Nevadans and voters across the country.
“He had no plan for protecting women’s health or reproductive rights, and obviously this was a critical issue for voters at the ballot box this election cycle. So, it really was disheartening to see that, you know, these issues were not focused on.”
Torres added she and other members of the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus are ready and willing to work with those across the aisle on a number of issues to help Nevadans.
References:
State of the State Nev. Legislature 01/23/2023
Population data Census Bureau 2023
Statement Nev. GOP 01/23/2023