Blog
Nevada Hands Free (cell/texting) Bill Imposes Fines Effective January 1, 2012
Reminder the law was effective October lst but with warnings only. As of January
1st, fines may be imposed. Here is the link to the bill. (readers
please note the digest of the bill refers to suspension of driver license but
that was taken out of the bill. It's fines only).
Nevada has something to be proud of
We all get frustrated because we love our state but don't often see Nevada referenced in a positive light in national media, but here we go. When discussing tax incentives a recent New York Times article mentioned Nevada, along with North Carolina, as states that have done a good job developing tax incentives that have standards and accountability. I'm proud of the work we've done in that area and, as our new economic development plan moves forward, I'm pleased we have done the work we have.
Here's what the story said about Nevada:
"The new report singled out some states for praise. Nevada and North Carolina’s programs were applauded for having strong wage standards, requirements that employers provide health coverage and pay part of the premium, and requirements that subsidized facilities stay open for a set period of time."
Read the full article here.
I got mine - did you?
Stay healthy and keep those around you healthy by getting your flu vaccine. It's painless and available everywhere! Some good information for you here on the Washoe County website.
Power Foods and Smart Phone Apps...News You Can Use
I recently had the opportunity to attend a great Health Care Summit at Johns Hopkins University. I learned about innovative new technology for helping those we serve manage illness, especially in the aging and disabled population. Do you know there are 6,000 apps for smart phones to help you manage your health? It's all much cheaper than the cost of hospital readmissions which are significantly driving up the cost of medical care. I also learned some great things about personal health.
There are ten (10!) power foods that will keep you healthier. They are: Beans, nuts, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, kiwi, apples, berries, salmon and eggs. These foods help prevent cancer and cateracts, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes and have many other attributes. Check out this video by Lynda McIntyre, Johns Hopkins Nutritionist.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/mediaII/video/grocery/
STAR Bonds II
Kudos to Nathan Orme, Daily Sparks Tribune, for his series of articles, followed by an editorial, about the use of STAR Bonds for redevelopment. Assembly Bill 376, a bill I sponsored in 2011 requires reporting and accountability on these projects. STAR (sales tax anticipated revenue) Bonds are bonds that are sold to develop a blighted area and 75% of the sales taxes derived from the project go to pay the bonds. Please understand, I am not opposed to such financing schemes to develop an area that would not have been generating tax revenue otherwise. I do, however, believe we need accountability to the taxpayers who are funding the project. I'm very frustrated about this idea of closing a business in one area and moving it in to the STAR district. In that case, we lose 100% of the sales taxes in the old store and only collect 25% of the sales taxes in the new store. AB376 changes that, but only for new projects. More information here:
Lowes to close
Between a rock and a hard sale
A real Lowe blow
Read the bill here
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