State the Issues

Issue: Are payday loan companies good or bad for local communities? Payday Lenders Provide Fast, Convenient and Cost-Effective Loans by Jim Marchesi Since the early 1990s, the payday advance industry has seen explosive growth in the United States as a result of robust consumer demand for short-term cash loans. It is estimated there are nearly 25,000 storefronts that … [Read more...] about September 2003: State the Issues

Issue: How does use of the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) affect homeowners and insurers? Insurance Companies Are "Red-Lining" Markets By: Melody L. Luetkehans, Esq. Is your new home insurable? It may not be if the previous owner has filed an insurance claim on the property. If a seller previously had a claim against the property, especially a water … [Read more...] about August 2003: State the Issues

Issue: Should banks be allowed to sell real estate? This Proposal Poses Significant Risks for Consumers By Robert W. Sadler, CAE Real estate services are commercial activities and customarily apply to a broad range of activities involved in the day-to-day management and brokering of real estate. Frequently, firms with property management operations also engage in real … [Read more...] about July 2003: State the Issues

Issue: Should employers be required to provide healthcare insurance for all full-time employees? All Employers Should Provide Affordable Healthcare Coverage By: Anthony M. Marlon, M.D. As the world’s last remaining superpower, the United States continues to boast economic advantages that no other country can claim. However, one of the most challenging sociopolitical issues … [Read more...] about June 2003: State the Issues

ISSUE: "Is Nevada’s system for determining prevailing wage rates fair to contractors and to the public?" The Prevailing Wage Law Serves Nevada Well By: Danny L. Thompson Workers in Nevada have been working under the prevailing wage law for more than 66 years, and for all these years it has proven to be a very important component in public works construction projects. … [Read more...] about May 2003: State the Issues

Topic: Should the minimum wage be raised? American Workers Do Not Deserve to Live in Poverty  By: Senator Harry Reid It has now been over six years since Congress voted to increase the minimum wage. In that time, the cost of living has increased 12 percent, while the real value of the minimum wage has steadily declined. Minimum-wage employees working 40 hours a week, 52 … [Read more...] about March 2003: State the Issues

Issue: Should the 2003 Legislature place more restrictions on smoking in public places? The Voting Public Supports Smoking Restrictions By Helen Foley While there is a growing trend to eliminate smoking in public places, that trend has yet to catch on in Nevada. Despite the fact that Nevadans suffer disproportionately from the health and economic effects of tobacco and … [Read more...] about February 2003: State the Issues

Issue: The amount credit unions may lend to commercial borrowers is currently limited to 12 1/4 percent of their assets. Should this limit be raised? The Limit on Credit Union Member Business Lending Should be Eliminated By: Dennis Flannigan The limit on credit union member business loans should be eliminated. Business lending poses little risk to credit unions, and limits … [Read more...] about December 2002: State the Issues

Issue: Should Nevada institute a school voucher program? A Voice for School Choice By Sen. Maurice Washington Let us first get something straight: The issue of school vouchers should be redefined as the issue of educational opportunities. Currently, the state of Nevada spends approximately $5,800 per child per year for a public school education. Why shouldn’t the parent of … [Read more...] about November 2002: State the Issues

"Should the 2002 ballot question be approved, decriminalizing the possession by an adult of three ounces or less of marijuana?" NO ON QUESTION 9 By: Richard A. Gammick As a Schedule I Controlled Substance, marijuana is classified by both the federal and state governments as one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs. The United States Supreme Court and Congress have found … [Read more...] about October 2002: State the Issues

Q. Is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) following proper procedures in confiscating cattle grazing on federal lands in Nevada?" Impoundment is Supported by Law By: Bob Abbey Impoundment is an authorized administrative action fully supported by federal laws and regulations that have been tested in the courts. The Taylor Grazing Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1934 … [Read more...] about August 2002: State the Issues

To what extent can rising liability insurance costs and lack of available insurance in the construction industry be attributed to either construction problems or to frivolous lawsuits?" Fighting for the Right to Repair Deficiencies By Steve Hill Last September, an independent study by J.D. Power and Associates found that Las Vegas ranked second among 10 major U.S. cities … [Read more...] about June 2002: State the Issues

Issue: What approach should Nevada take regarding the proposed nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain? WHY NEVADA CANNOT NEGOTIATE By: Richard Bryan When the commercial nuclear power industry suggests it is in Nevada’s interests to negotiate for benefits in exchange for accepting Yucca Mountain, two questions must be answered: "What is there to negotiate?" and "What’s in … [Read more...] about April 2002: State the Issues

Should the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) earmark a portion of its portfolio for investments in Nevada-based companies? Nevada Must Invest in Itself By Robb Smith Evidence demonstrates that a state that invests in itself experiences a more diversified tax base, better education, a better-trained workforce and greater opportunities for its people. With … [Read more...] about May 2001: State the Issues