CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Assembly Republicans on Thursday said educational opportunities, expanding access to mental health services and diversifying the state’s economy are among their priorities this legislative session.
Minority Floor Leader Jim Wheeler acknowledged the caucus’ super minority status in the Assembly at a news conference, but said the lawmakers still represents between 800,000 and 1 million residents. He said high-paying jobs and a diverse economy have come to the state under Republican and balanced government leadership.
“So we don’t want to see us go backwards,” he said.
Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy described technical and on-site learning as vital and pointed to a bill that would encourage employers to give work-based learning opportunities to students. She also highlighted a bill that would require schools to teach students about the Federalist Papers, government structure and the separation of powers.
Lisa Krasner emphasized legislation she has sponsored that would eliminate the statute of limitations in sex assault cases, if there is DNA evidence identifying the perpetrator.
Under the bill, which is also sponsored by Democratic Sen. Pat Spearman, there would be no limitation on when to prosecute a sexual assault case if a suspect is identified through a “genetic marker analysis of a biological specimen” and a DNA profile is found.
The news conference comes days after Democrats unveiled their legislative priorities, which included affordable health care, better schools and banning private prisons.
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