Steve Sisolak in State of Nevada Archives
On Gun Control:
Expand state background checks without involving Feds
Question 1 was a long-stalled statewide expansion of gun background checks first approved by voters in 2016.The initiative subjects most private-party gun transactions to an FBI-administered vetting process, but the FBI said it was unwilling to carry
out the additional checks and suggested the state take up the task.Attorney General Laxalt cautioned against doing so and deemed the measure unenforceable unless or until the federal agency agreed to conduct the checks.
Republican Dan Schwartz said
he would enforce the initiative, as did Democrat Steve Sisolak, who responded to Laxalt's remarks with a scathing campaign statement.
"That is exactly the attitude that prevents action from being taken," Sisolak said. "Relying on Donald Trump's
Washington to do anything beneficial to the people of Nevada is a fool's errand, but the larger issue is that Nevadans expect their governors to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Nevada deserves better."
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal on 2018 Nevada gubernatorial race
On Gun Control:
Outspoken gun control advocate since Las Vegas shooting
Sisolak, a longtime Clark County commissioner, has become an outspoken advocate for additional gun control measures in the months since 58 people were killed in a mass shooting at an outdoor concert venue on the Las Vegas Strip.
He's taken softer positions on the matter in the past, as his primary election opponent has been eager to point out.
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal on 2018 Nevada gubernatorial race
On Government Reform:
Keep electoral college; no popular vote "compact"
Gov. Steve Sisolak has vetoed a proposal that would have pledged Nevada's six electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote for the presidency. AB186 proved divisive in the Legislature: Proponents argued that it would ensure every vote counted
equally, while opponents feared it would diminish the relevance of Nevada."Once effective, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could diminish the role of smaller states like Nevada in national electoral contests and force Nevada's electors
to side with whoever wins the nationwide popular vote, rather than the candidate Nevadans choose," Sisolak said. "In cases like this, where Nevada's interests could diverge from the interests of large states, I will always stand up for Nevada."
The
bill would have tied Nevada to a compact of states agreeing to pledge their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, but would only take effect until enough states had joined the compact to eclipse the 270 electoral vote threshold.
Source: Nevada Independent on legislative voting record AB186
May 30, 2019
On Civil Rights:
Make voting a fundamental right: automatic registration
This past November, Nevada made clear that they support Automatic Voter Registration.--and now, it's on us to get it done. Voting is a fundamental right, and we should be looking for even more ways to make sure eligible Nevadans can exercise it.
which is why I am committed to working with the legislature and local election officials to expand early voting--and to implement same-day voter registration.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Crime:
Help inmates ready to go straight
I am recommending we add new staff who will focus on supporting mental health and substance abuse programs and handling the increased caseload in the Parole and Probation division. This will be coupled with an increased investment in a pilot program
aimed at providing education and skills training for inmates. In the first year of this program, over 80 percent of the inmates enrolled graduated with either credits going towards a traditional college degree or a pre-apprenticeship experience.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Drugs:
Marijuana industry to be critical part of economy
One of those sectors is the rapidly growing marijuana industry. That's why I'm announcing that I will sign an Executive Order creating Nevada's first-ever Cannabis Compliance Board, which will ensure this critical
part of our state's future economy is positioned to become a gold standard for the nation. We will manage and grow this new industry strictly and fairly and in a way the State can be proud of.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Education:
Raise teacher's pay; cover cost of supplies
Our educators deserve a raise. It has been over a decade since the state has funded a raise. I am asking you to stand with me and stand with our educators by including them in the 3% pay raise for state employees for the first time in 12 years.
Too many teachers have been forced to dig into their own pockets to make sure their students have basic supplies. I am proposing additional funding to reimburse teachers for supplies they need raising the total from $100 to $180 per teacher.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
Renewable energy makes business sense
Nevada used to lead the nation in producing renewable energy. Sadly, we've fallen behind. I strongly support the goal of achieving a minimum of 50% in renewable energy by 2030. And I know we can meet these standards without raising the cost of
electricity for the ratepayers of our state. Allowing Nevada to lead when it comes to renewable energy isn't just good for job growth or energy rates, it helps preserve and protect Nevada's incredible natural beauty.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Families & Children:
Adequately fund women's health care services
I am committed to adequately funding women's health care. Currently, Nevada ranks last in the nation in the number of women who have a dedicated health care provider. We don't fare much better when it comes to cervical cancer
screenings or other forms of family planning. That's going to change. And that's why we'll be allocating 3 million dollars per year to provide more of these lifesaving services statewide.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Gun Control:
Common-sense gun laws save lives
I am working with the Legislature to implement commonsense background checks on all firearm sales in Nevada. We will outlaw bump stocks.
And we will address the threat gun violence poses to victims of domestic violence in this state. Those subjected to restraining orders should not be allowed to buy a firearm. Background checks save lives.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Health Care:
Expand coverage for those who need it
We have to make sure that quality health care continues to be offered to every Nevadan, not just those who can afford it. Our state took an incredible step when we expanded Medicaid. It gave the chance for hundreds of thousands of
Nevadans to go to the doctor and gain the coverage they need. My recommended budget represents the largest investment of general fund dollars to the Department of Health and Human Services in Nevada history.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Jobs:
Raise minimum wage from $7.25
Too many Nevadans are making too little. That needs to change and it needs to start by giving Nevadans a well-earned raise. Even as our economy improves, too many folks are still working two jobs to get by--even more are living paycheck to paycheck.
That's why I am committed to working with the legislature--and the business and labor communities--to raise the minimum wage in our state. It's impossible for an individual, let alone a family, to live on $7.25 an hour.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
On Abortion:
Fund Planned Parenthood; leave decision to women
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal? Adam Laxalt (R): Has signed onto lawsuits to significantly limit. Said would "look into" repealing NV abortion rights law, though later reversed this statement.
Steve Sisolak (D):
Legal. Reproductive decisions should be between a woman and her doctor.
Q: Allow Planned Parenthood to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?
Adam Laxalt (R): Unclear. Investigated Planned Parenthood to confirm it didn't do surgical abortions, but public funding is for federal government to decide.
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. Ran ad saying that as a single father relied on Planned Parenthood to get his daughters health screenings and information.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Strong gay rights supporter
Q: Support gay marriage and related issues?Adam Laxalt (R): In 2014 said would have defended Nevada gay marriage ban. Joined suit defending religious right of florist to not create arrangement for gay couple.
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. Strong gay rights supporter, endorsed by major gay rights groups.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Crime:
Ease cash bail requirements to reduce incarceration
Q: Criminal Justice: Ease cash bail requirements to reduce incarceration?Adam Laxalt (R): Unknown.
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes, though for more minor offences.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Drugs:
Fight federal intrusion into state marijuana industry
Q: Should marijuana be decriminalized at federal level?Adam Laxalt (R): "An issue for our federal representatives to address." The only Attorney General in a state with legalization not to ask feds to ease related banking prohibitions.
Steve Sisolak (D): Would fight federal intrusion into state marijuana industry. Also, erase misdemeanor marijuana convictions and enforce current state rules to make NV "the gold standard in the cannabis industry."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
Don't divert funds from public schools to private schools
Q: Increase funding for K-12 education?Adam Laxalt (R): Vows not to reduce funding; will look at budget on possible increase.
Steve Sisolak (D): Restore funding to at least pre-recession levels. Shift money from hotel tax and marijuana tax toward schools.
Q: Provide support to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?
Adam Laxalt (R): Yes. Supported voucher-style Education Savings Accounts. "We're not funding private schools;
we're funding an education for our students."
Steve Sisolak (D): No. "Will always fight against the diversion of funding from public schools into private schools."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Climate change poses a direct threat to our communities
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to combat climate change?Adam Laxalt (R): No. Joined appeal of Obama Clean Power Plan. "Oppose efforts to impose or expand costly
and burdensome mandates on energy providers, which only lead to higher prices that hurt Nevada's families."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Climate change is real and poses a direct threat to our environment and communities." Work as a state to uphold
Paris Climate Agreement & Clean Power Plan.
Q: Support Question 6, the initiative requiring utilities to provide 50% of energy from renewables by 2030?
Adam Laxalt (R):
No specific stand but opposes "costly and burdensome mandates on energy providers."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Want Nevada to lead the world in clean energy."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Families & Children:
Require companies to provide paid sick time
Q: Labor Issues: What should companies be required to provide?Adam Laxalt (R): Joined suit opposing Obama's stricter overtime rules. No position found on sick leave.
Steve Sisolak (D): Require companies with 25 or more employees to provide paid sick time, although challenged firefighters for abusing sick leave.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
Ban silencers, bump stocks, and assault weapons
Q: Support more restrictive Gun Control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic assault weapons?Adam Laxalt (R): No. "Increasing restrictions on law-abiding citizens' access to firearms is not effective in reducing gun violence." Opposed expanded
background checks, open to banning bump stocks. 100% NRA rating.
Steve Sisolak (D): Formerly opposed, now supports enforcing background checks, banning silencers, bump stocks, and assault weapons. NRA rating was 79% in 2012, now 7%.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Health Care:
Do everything we can to maintain healthcare coverage
Q: Support or Repeal ACA, aka ObamaCare? Accept Nevada's ACA's Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?Adam Laxalt (R): Called ACA "the most flawed piece of major legislation America has ever endured." Will consider Medicaid
work requirements. Wouldn't have expanded Medicaid but won't roll it back.
Steve Sisolak (D): Supports ACA and Medicaid expansion. Opposes Medicaid work requirements. "Need to do everything we can to make sure healthcare coverage is maintained."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Immigration:
Workable pathway to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants
Q: Support DACA, allowing "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, then grew up in the US, to achieve legal status if meet certain conditions?Adam Laxalt (R): Unclear. In 2015, joined lawsuit challenging expansion to cover parents of
DACA kids, though didn't join anti-DACA suit.
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Protect these young people who want nothing more than to be accepted by the only country they've ever known."
Q: Immigration: Support path to citizenship for America's 11 million illegal immigrants?
Adam Laxalt (R): No specific position.
Hopes DC representatives "can compromise on solutions that secure our border and take all situations into account."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. "Create a workable pathway to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Jobs:
Raise minimum wage to $10, but $15 is too much
Q: Raise the NV minimum wage?Adam Laxalt (R): No. "Will reduce employment opportunities for Nevadans and hurt workers by reducing hours, reducing benefits, and reducing on-the-job training."
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. Increase to at least $10 an hour. Reluctant to move immediately to $15, because "it will put small businesses out of business."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Supported commerce tax; supports property tax increase
Q: Position on state taxes, including commerce tax levy on businesses making $4 million or more a year.Adam Laxalt (R): "Will be committed to not raising taxes on anybody." End the commerce tax.
Steve Sisolak (D): Commerce tax was "very brave step," so preserve it. Explore increasing property tax caps to pay for education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Technology:
Preserve Net Neutrality (equal access to internet)
Q: Net Neutrality: Support requiring internet providers to provide equal access to all users?
Adam Laxalt (R): Unclear. Didn't join suit to preserve it.
Steve Sisolak (D): Yes. NV should join lawsuit to preserve.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Welfare & Poverty:
Expedited permitting for affordable housing
Q: How to address affordable housing crisis?Adam Laxalt (R): Oppose spending state taxpayer dollars, but would make it easier for developers to build new housing.
Steve Sisolak (D): Adjust affordable housing incentives. Include density bonuses, fee reductions and expedited permitting process.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Nevada Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
I'll take on the NRA and I'll take on Donald Trump
[Steve Sisolak TV ad airing in Reno and Las Vegas]:[Caption: Steve Sisolak, chairman, Clark County Commission]
[Steve Sisolak addressing camera]: I've taken on bullies my whole life. Never backed down. Never backed away.
When you see somebody getting hurt, you have to stand up.
Donald Trump hurts Nevada families. He wants to take healthcare away from 200,000 Nevadans.
[Photo: Trump with CNN Headline: "Trump expected to end program protecting Dreamers"]:
He wants to break up families by deporting the DREAMers.
[Photo: Protest march with banner, "Fight for DACA and immigrants"]: He cares more about the NRA than you.
[Photo: Mother with two children]: I'll take on the NRA;
I'll take on big Pharma; and I'll take on Donald Trump.
[Photo: Steve sisolak at rally]: As Governor I'll stand up for Nevada and for Nevada families. [Caption: Steve Sisolak for governor.]
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Mar 21, 2018
On Immigration:
Double headline - Already Done
[Steve Sisolak TV ad airing in Reno and Las Vegas]:[Caption: Steve Sisolak, chairman, Clark County Commission]
[Steve Sisolak addressing camera]: I've taken on bullies my whole life. Never backed down. Never backed away.
When you see somebody getting hurt, you have to stand up.
Donald Trump hurts Nevada families. He wants to take healthcare away from 200,000 Nevadans.
[Photo: Trump with CNN Headline: "Trump expected to end program protecting Dreamers"]:
He wants to break up families by deporting the DREAMers.
[Photo: Protest march with banner, "Fight for DACA and immigrants"]: He cares more about the NRA than you.
[Photo: Mother with two children]: I'll take on the NRA;
I'll take on big Pharma; and I'll take on Donald Trump.
[Photo: Steve sisolak at rally]: As Governor I'll stand up for Nevada and for Nevada families. [Caption: Steve Sisolak for governor.]
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Mar 21, 2018
On Education:
Against tax dollars diverted to private schools
Steve is himself a product of public schools, and his own daughters attended Nevada public high schools.
As Governor, he will restore funding to at least pre-recession levels and prioritize class size reduction. And Steve will always fight against the diversion of funding from public schools into private schools.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor website SteveSisolak.com
Aug 17, 2017
On Immigration:
Not a sanctuary county; we are in compliance with ICE
Confirming what local officials have claimed for months, the Department of Justice has found no evidence that Clark County is failing to comply with federal immigration authorities. "This validates what the sheriff and I have been saying the
entire time--that everything we've done has been in compliance," County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak said. "I appreciate the fact that the DOJ has agreed with our interpretation."
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Aug 4, 2017
On Health Care:
ObamaCare has helped those in need
The enactment of the ACA and Medicaid expansion reduced uncompensated care from 40 percent to 11 percent at University Medical Center. Sisolak said, "When you see (people) are going to lose their mom or son, you can't put a dollar value on that.
I think we as a commission and decent human beings need to do everything we can to make sure health care coverage is maintained for everyone, especially our most vulnerable population."
Source: Las Vegas Sun on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Jul 31, 2017
On Drugs:
Nevada should set gold standard for legal pot
A weed control board could oversee regulations and the fines and fees associated with breaking them within the county. Sisolak agreed with the idea of a board to help with disciplinary issues. Has dissatisfaction with what he sees as "slaps on
the wrist" for businesses skirting the law or trying to push the boundaries of what is permissible in terms of events and promotion. "We are the gold standard for gaming, and I want to be the gold standard in the cannabis industry," he said.
Source: Las Vegas Sun on 2018 Nevada Gubernatorial race
Jul 19, 2017
On Abortion:
Keep abortion legal in first trimester
Sisolak supports the following principles regarding abortion.-
Abortions should be legally available when the procedure is completed within the first trimester of pregnancy.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Civil Rights:
Don't recognize same-sex marriage
Q: Do you believe that the Nevada government should recognize same-sex marriages?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Civil Rights:
Prosecute against discrimination
Sisolak supports the following principles regarding affirmative action in Nevada.
- The Nevada government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public and private sectors.
- Support the concept of equally applied punishment for the same crime for all persons regardless of age, gender, or race.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Corporations:
Decrease business taxes and capital gains taxes
Sisolak indicates support of the following principles concerning Nevada's tax levels. - Maintain Status on Alcohol Taxes
- Slightly Decrease on Business Taxes
- Slightly Decrease Capital Gains Taxes
- Maintain Status on Gaming Taxes
- Slightly
Decrease Property Taxes
- Slightly Decrease Sales Taxes
- Maintain Status State Fees
Q: Would you support a state income tax in Nevada?
A: No.
Q: Do you support a flat tax structure for a state income tax, should one be enacted?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Crime:
More prisons; more death penalty; more mandatory minimums
Sisolak supports the following principles regarding crime in Nevada.- Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
- Expand and promote "community policing" programs.
- Support "truth in
sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve their full sentences with no chance of parole.
- Expand the use of the death penalty for additional circumstances relating to murder.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for non-violent
offenders.
- Require mandatory life sentences for 3rd-time, violent felons.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their
prison sentences.
- Strengthen penalties & sentences associated with drug-related crimes.
- Limit the number of appeals allowed for inmates on death row.
- Strengthen victims'-rights laws to enable victims to recover more damages from offenders.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Energy & Oil:
Encourage cleaner burning fuels; but not Yucca
Sisolak indicates support of the following principles concerning Nevada's environment:- Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels throughout Nevada.
- Require a cost/benefit analysis on proposed
environmental regulations.
- Request flexibility from the federal government in enforcing federal environmental regulations.
Q: Do you support the selection of Yucca Mountain in southwest Nevada as a storage site for used nuclear fuel?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Environment:
Yes to cost/benefit analysis; no to Yucca
Sisolak supports the following principles regarding Nevada's environment.- Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels.
- Require a cost/benefit analysis on the economic impact of proposed environmental
regulations
- Request flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
- Q: Do you support the selection of Yucca Mountain in southwest Nevada as a storage site for used nuclear fuel?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Government Reform:
Limit campaign donations, but oppose partial state funding
Q: Do you support requiring limits on individual, PAC, and corporate contributions to state legislative candidates?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information, including imposing
fines?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Government Reform:
Term limits for governor & all state reps
Q: Do you support the law, to take effect in 2006, that will limit Nevada's State Representatives to twelve years in office?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the law, to take effect in 2008, that will limit Nevada's State Senators to twelve years in office?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the current law that limits Nevada's Governor to two, four-year terms?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?
A: Yes.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Gun Control:
Supports concealed carry
Sisolak supports the following principles regarding gun issues.
- Continue to allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms.
Source: 1996 Nevada National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Page last updated: Jan 29, 2021