CARSON CITY (KLAS) — Today marked the start of a marathon. The 83rd Legislative Session got underway, opening 120 days of lawmaking and political debate. A busy agenda lies ahead.
Already, Republicans and Democrats are marking their territory.
Politics Now anchor John Langeler is in Carson City.
On the first day, very little actually happens. There’s pomp, circumstance and the anticipation of the grind ahead. The question is when that grind takes center stage.
Ceremony is tradition as the Legislature opens for business.
“So today is mostly ceremonial. So today’s the celebration. And then tomorrow the work really starts,” Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) told 8 News Now.
“But I think we’re committed to try to work together and find solutions,” Yeager said.
Across the hall, there’s political divide.
“Reality is, are the Democrats going to be making this session just about making the governor look bad?” Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus (R-Yerington) asked.
“Do they want to solve problems?”
What are the problems that lawmakers will take on this year? Even before sorting out education funding and the host of other issues in Nevada, lawmakers are waiting for Gov. Joe Lombardo’s amended budget.
The $12.7 billion budget his office sent last month included a $335 million deficit.
By law, Nevada’s budget must be balanced.
“I was surprised, frankly,” Titus said. “I think that we have the moneys and it’s unfortunate that there was some misunderstanding about where the funds could be moved to. I think that’s what happened.”
Titus is confident this is a small, fixable issue.
“Receiving a proposed budget with a $400 million deficit is unprecedented,” Yeager said. “I kind of view it as a five mile race. And we were starting a mile or two behind the start line.”
There is some common ground as both Republicans and Democrats are interested in public school accountability, school funding and student achievement.
Both sides are interested in improving health and human services, though their methods may differ. Both sides want to address affordable housing.
When the session starts, everyone is on their best behavior. But 120 days from now, expect a different atmosphere in these halls.
“I think we understand each other a little bit better,” Yeager said. “And I really think we are all committed to to talking to one another.”
Also on the agenda, expect the Legislature to consider tougher punishment on DUIs, domestic violence and other crimes. They’ll also be examining proposed massive film tax credits for movie studios. Teacher raises is another important issue.
The session began Monday and lasts 120 days, scheduled to end June 2.
