Update: Legislature, Redistricting, and the 2022 Campaign
Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve reached out and there’s a lot to catch up on with me and District 15, so let’s jump in!
Legislative Wrap Up:
The 81st Legislative session wrapped up in June and I was able to pass 8 of the 10 bills I introduced, in addition to helping shape other policies as Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources. My highlights include:
Implementing a first-in-the-nation ban on decorative grass to conserve water
Removing racially discriminatory mascots and landmarks, and protecting Native American cultural sites
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change
Expanding access to health care for homeless youth
Sealing eviction records for families affected by the pandemic
In addition, I voted to pass legislation that strengthens access to the ballot box, expands health care coverage, stops jailing people for speeding tickets, and implements a new tax on the state’s largest gold and silver mines to increase funding for education.
Redistricting:
In November, we returned to Carson City for a Special Session to redraw districts for the Legislature, Congress, and Board of Regents. It’s our duty to do this every 10 years after the Census to equalize the population represented in each district, and delays in getting the data made it impossible to complete during our regular session.
Redistricting has changed the face of District 15 quite a bit. I continue to represent the current district through November 8th, but will be campaigning in the new district boundaries. While I’m sad that I will soon cease to represent many people I’ve connected with over the last 4 years, I am confident you will be well served by your new Assemblymember. I also look forward to meeting and representing communities including Huntridge, John. S. Park, the Arts District, UNLV and Chinatown moving forward. Check out this map to see how your representation may have changed (current district in blue, new district in yellow):
I’m Running Again!
In case you couldn’t tell from above, I’ve decided to run for re-election. In fact, this week I officially filed the paperwork to do so!
Since I was first elected in 2018, we have faced some truly challenging times. But despite that, I believe that our state is making progress and the future of our community is bright. While the gridlock in Washington DC is frustrating to see, the Nevada Legislature is getting things done, and in most cases with bipartisan support. And I’m excited to help lead our state’s efforts to protect the water supply, combat climate change, and conserve our environment for future generations.
There is always more work to do, and I still feel like I have more to give to the state and to the residents of District 15. I hope I can count on your continued support!
Watts Ahead:
I remain hard at work responding to constituents and meeting with a variety of groups to learn more about issues the Legislature can address. I currently chair the Interim Committee on Natural Resources, and serve on the Interim Growth and Infrastructure and Finance committees as well. The Interim Finance Committee will be using federal funds over the next several months to tackle key challenges including affordable housing, child care access, and filling key shortages in our workforce.
As I get on the campaign trail and get to know the new District 15, I’ll send email updates and post regular updates on my social media. Please take a moment to follow me using the icons below.
As always, please reach out to me any time. It’s my honor to serve you in the Nevada Legislature.
- Howard