LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Gov. Steve Sisolak discussed the rising cost of housing, childcare and other issues impacting Nevadans during a State of the State address from Allegiant Stadium on Wednesday.
Before announcing some new initiatives, he began by promising no new taxes.
Watch the full address below.
"Right now, the cost of everything is rising. Nevada families are getting squeezed at the pump and at the grocery store. I can’t promise to solve national inflation, I can promise to do everything in my power to help with the cost of living," he said.
Meanwhile, Nevada Republicans responded to Sisolaks address. You can watch that here.
RELATED: Nevada Republicans respond to Gov. Sisolak's State of the State address
Housing
Sisolak announced the “Home Means Nevada” initiative, a $500 million investment using federal funds to "lower the cost of housing, help people stay in their homes and create good-paying jobs."
The governor says 400,000 people have moved to Nevada in the last decade and that renters and buyers "at all levels" are being squeezed out of the market. 13 Action News has more coverage of the issue on ktnv.com/housing.
Sisolak says the plan will help seniors retrofit their homes to lower their costs and improve their property, and through a partnership with the Nevada AFL-CIO through the state infrastructure bank, will help fund new housing developments.
Childcare, education
Sisolak also announced a $160 million investment to lower the cost of childcare.
He also discussed education, announcing the state is investing federal dollars to make sure all students get free lunch for the next year. (Editor's note: This has been updated to reflect the free lunch program will last one year. A release from the state said two years, but that is incorrect. State officials clarified that it's a one-year program.)
He also says the Workforce Development Committee will explore ways to make community college or other apprentice and training programs free for more Nevadans by 2025.
Healthcare
Sisolak says he has been working with Democrats and Republicans to help address the rising costs of healthcare. He announced that Nevada will join the Northwest Prescription Drug Consortium, along with Oregon and Washington State.
"By negotiating with drug companies together, we can start holding them accountable and get costs down," said Sisolak.
Business
The governor said he is convening a bipartisan task force to further red tape when it comes to occupational licensing. It's an effort to spur business and economic development.
He also announced the Nevada Small Business Accelerator Program to help new startups get off the ground and expand.
Law enforcement
Sisolak said he is committing to providing raises for Nevada State Police in the budget proposal the governor will submit to the legislature.
