Hello,

This past Saturday, we held a Nevada Speaks Community Conversation at Greenspun Junior High School in Henderson. We gathered there with our constituents to have an open discussion about the state of Nevada’s education system. Over 60 members of the community took their Saturday to come and talk with us—to share with us their dreams and frustrations about Nevada’s future.  Young and old, Democrat and Republican—they joined us in an important conversation about their Nevada priorities, and we cannot thank them enough.

Together we can build a better future.  Indeed we must—it is our duty to our children, and their children.  We believe it is our moral responsibility to leave this state in better shape than we found it. This Saturday we pledged to work our hardest to make sure we fulfill the promises we have made to the people we represent—to ensure good schools, a clean environment, and a prosperous state for all Nevadans.

We understand times are difficult.  We feel it, too. We have started managing our families’ finances differently—going out less often and compensating for the loss of retirement income. Our children work for the gaming industry, and like all employees, are nervous and worried for the future of their children.  They are balancing working extra hours with less income and still maintain the quality of life for children.  We know times are tough, and that is why we wanted to hear from our neighbors and friends about their priorities for Nevada’s future. This Nevada Speaks Community Conversation could not have taken place at a better time.

On Saturday we heard from concerned mothers, fathers, teachers and students.  It became clear that the community will no longer stand for education to remain on the backburner of Nevada’s priorities.  Many participants asked what they can do to make a difference.  The first step is attending a Nevada Speaks Community Conversation.  This will not be the last one—the Nevada Senate Democrats will hold Nevada Speaks Community Conversations across the state in the coming months.  We hope you can join us and bring a friend, neighbor, or colleague.  We want to hear from you.

To learn more about upcoming Nevada Speaks Community Conversations, click here.   

Each of us can make a difference in our state and our community, and here’s how:

1) Tell your story: We want to hear from you. Bring your voices to the Legislature in Carson City.  We want to hear your priorities for the future of Nevada, and we want to use your words and stories. To tell your story, click here.

2) Testify at a Hearing: All hearings are open to testimony from members of the public. Your stories make a difference, and we want to hear from you.  Many hearings are televised from Carson City to Las Vegas, where you can testify via video conference. To learn more about when a particular hearing is taking place, or to track a bill, click here.

3) Write a letter to the editor: Tell the world what your position is on issues that matter most to you.  Writing a letter in response to an article you feel strongly about begins a community conversation all of its own. To learn more about writing a letter to the editor, click here.

4) Host a Neighborhood Meeting: Host a neighborhood meeting and invite your legislator. Hosting your own Nevada conversation will go a long way toward spreading awareness and activating your own friends and family. To sign up to host your own neighborhood meeting, click here.

5) Keep Up to Date on the Issues: Sign up to receive weekly legislative updates on the happenings in Carson City. Keep informed so you can voice your concerns and support the issues that matter most to you. To sign up to receive weekly Legislative updates, click here. 

We want to thank everyone who attended the Nevada Speaks town hall and shared their views with us. We promise to do all we can to bring your message to Carson City and protect Nevada’s education system. If you were not able to attend the event, please check the Nevada Senate Democrats website (www.nvsenatedems.com) for future Nevada Speaks Town Hall Meetings.

All our best,

Joyce Woodhouse

Nevada State Senator, Senate District 5

Shirley Breeden,

Nevada State Senator, Senate District 5