Silver State Times

State lawmakers at the Interim Finance Committee have signed off on a number of initiatives proposed by Gov. Steve Sisolak (D-NV).

According to a news release from the governor's office, the programs were approved by the Interim Finance Committee and include support for the development of the College of Medicine at Roseman University, plans for further affordable housing in Westside Las Vegas and free meals to school children in the state.

“This year may be remembered as one of the most productive years for the Interim Finance Committee – and one of the most consequential for Nevada residents,” Sisolak said in the release. “I am deeply grateful to the lawmakers for their diligent work to approve programs I put forward and for the work of state employees to bring forward these spending proposals which will have immediate and lasting effects for Nevadans from housing to food security and so many topics in between.”

State employees who were furloughed in 2021 will be glad to know that the state will provide $35 million in funds to pay them back. The measure honors a pledge that Sisolak made.

According to Speaker-Elect Steve Yeager: "The Interim Finance Committee has consistently prioritized the economic recovery and social wellbeing for all Nevadans, regardless of income or social status. Today's meeting was the culmination of that work and the items approved will make a real difference to Nevadans, including: ensuring that no child goes hungry at school, funding additional rental assistance and construction of more affordable housing, and putting extra dollars in the pockets of our overworked and underpaid workers around the holiday season."

The American Rescue Plan has earmarked $28 million for another year of universal free school meals for the next calendar school year.

According to Senator and Interim Finance Committee Chair, Marilyn Dondero Loop: “As a former educator, it brings me great happiness to guarantee that no child will go hungry in a Nevada public school with today’s investment of American Rescue Plan dollars. Governor Sisolak and legislative Democrats proposed and passed historic investments across the board with the goal of uplifting working Nevadans. From housing to health care and from education to infrastructure, this IFC committee, in coordination with Governor Sisolak, has helped to improve the standing of Nevadans for years to come.”