Washington, D.C. Fly-In 2021 Briefing Book by VegasChamber

Washington, D.C. Fly-In 2021

Staff Contact and Hotel Information Vegas Chamber Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO mbsewald@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.575.8020 Paul Moradkhan Senior Vice President of Government Affairs pmoradkhan@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.810.9124 Cara Clarke Vice President of Communications cclarke@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.743.9362 Joyce Goedeke Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy jgoedeke@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.419.5723 Jose Valle Vice President of Member Services and Revenue jvalle@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.743.9354 Sallie Doebler Vice President of Corporate Partnerships sdoebler@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.443.8653 David Dazlich Director of Government Affairs ddazlich@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.205.7232 Deborah Makiri Director of Membership Development dmakiri@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.366.6644 Dylan Keith Manager of Government Affairs dkeith@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.833.0081 Erica Valdriz Manager of Political Affairs and Fundraising evaldriz@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.245.8465

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Jonas Peterson President & CEO Email: jonasp@lvgea.org Cell Phone: 928.486.8121 Jared Smith Chief Operating Officer Email: jareds@lvgea.org Cell Phone: 702.720.5289

Black & Wadhams Attorneys at Law State Lobbying Team James Wadhams Partner Jesse Wadhams Partner Catherine Guild Paralegal

Brooke Malone Director of Investor Services & Engagement BrookeM@lvgea.org Cell Phone: 909.489.5083

Sarah Scott Legislative Affairs Analyst

Nick Clason Economic Development Analyst Email: nickc@lvgea.org Cell Phone: 702.505.3459

Hotel Information JW Marriott Washington, D.C. 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 Main Phone Number: 202.393.2000

Isabel Graft Government Affairs Coordinator

Porter Group Federal Lobbying Team The Honorable Jon C. Porter President & CEO Major General (Ret.) Robert Herbert Senior Vice President Chris Porter Senior Vice President Stephanie Walker Vice President of Government Affairs Rachel Layher Director of Operations Anna Leieritz Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs Marisa Pardinas Controller Cameron Gresh Senior Legislative Assistant

Lauren Stuart Executive Business Administrator lstuart@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.371.2134 Nick Schneider Member Success Specialist nschneider@vegaschamber.com Cell Phone: 702.343.8123

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Welcome to the Washington, D.C. Fly-In! On behalf of the Vegas Chamber and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, we are excited to return in-person to our nation’s capital for our annual Washington, D.C. Fly-in. Once again, the Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA are proud to partner to represent one of the largest and most diverse delegations of business, community, and government leaders as we advocate on behalf of our great State of Nevada. For the past year, we have prepared to ensure that our Fly-in is constantly evolving and responsive to your business needs and those of Nevada. We deliver on this promise by strategically connecting you to key policy makers, high-profile think tank organizations, and national trade associations. This not only gives you the latest information on key federal issues, but also keeps Nevada and the interests of our state at the forefront of policy making. For the past 110 years, the Vegas Chamber has remained steadfast in our commitment to you- our members and the business community - to be your voice in the halls of government. This is demonstrated throughout the Chamber’s history of trailblazing with our federal policy advocacy which has led to our community’s most significant projects such as the construction of Hoover Dam, the establishment and expansion of McCarran International Airport, the designation of Interstate 11, the creation of Tule Springs National Monument, and supporting federal recovery legislation for our members, both large and small. Throughout this week you will meet with national renowned policymakers and experts who will discuss economic recovery and diversification, transportation infrastructure, international tourism, health care, workforce development, and education. During these conversations, our voice, as a unified business community, will carry Nevada’s needs to our nation’s capital. In addition to a comprehensive calendar of in-depth policy discussions, we are thrilled to present the return of our signature D.C. Fly-in events including the Nevada Lights Up the Capitol reception and the Nevada State Dinner Gala. These events, along with our meetings, will adhere to federal, state, and local COVID mitigation guidelines, while featuring the world class hospitality and exciting conversations that our members expect from the Vegas Chamber, the LVGEA, and the Washington, D.C. Fly-in. By participating in our return to an in-person fly-in, you have made an investment toward building a stronger future for Nevada. We, in turn, are proud to continue to champion the efforts of the business community on your behalf in Washington, D.C. Thank you for your time and devotion to our great State of Nevada and welcome back to Washington, D.C. - Vegas-style! Sincerely,

Mary Beth Sewald President and CEO

Gina Bongiovi Chair Board of Trustees

Hugh Anderson Chairman Government Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Welcome Back to Washington, D.C. We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2021 D.C. Fly-In. Whether you are joining in-person or virtually, it is an honor to have you here with us, and our partners at the Vegas Chamber. This is an exciting opportunity for you to cultivate relationships and make progress on federal issues that will advance the economic development of our state. Together, as one voice, we can create an even larger impact on our beloved state of Nevada. Throughout the week, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with members of Congress and learn from leaders about policies and trends that will shape the future for Nevadans. This is an exciting opportunity filled with valuable programming, high-level networking and a chance to celebrate our accomplishments, all while striving for a more prosperous future. At LVGEA, we believe economic development is a team sport. For over 60 years, LVGEA has focused on diversifying and improving the economy in Southern Nevada through regional cooperation, community development and connectivity. Collaboration is the foundation of our team’s efforts. Our team at LVGEA is proud to partner with the Vegas Chamber to advocate for a range of economic development issues. Together, we can shape federal policy and strengthen Southern Nevada. On behalf of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and the Vegas Chamber, thank you again for joining us, and for your dedication to our great state of Nevada. Sincerely,

Jonas Peterson President & CEO LVGEA

VEGAS CHAMBER

Betsy Fretwell Chairwoman LVGEA Board of Directors

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Table of Contents 2

Staff and Hotel Contact Information

Welcome

Monday, September 20, 2021 Agenda Welcome Reception Nevada Lights Up the Capitol

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 Agenda U.S. Chamber of Commerce Briefings Policy Briefings Chairwomen’s Reception

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Agenda Meetings with Members of Congress I-11 and I-15 Congressional Luncheon

Thursday, September 23, 2021 Agenda Congressional Meetings Policy Roundtables Nevada State Dinner Gala

Federal Priorities

Federal Leadership

Washington, D.C. Resources and Information

Washington, D.C. Fly-in Sponsors

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Monday, September 20, 2021 Agenda Welcome Events Washington, D.C. Fly-in Check-in at JW Marriott Hotel, Treasury Room Welcome Reception at Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rooftop Terrace Nevada Lights Up the Capitol Reception at 101 Constitution Rooftop Terrace

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

WELCOME

RECEPTION Monday, September 20 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rooftop 815 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 Exclusive Sponsor:

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Monday, September 20 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 101 Constitution Roof Terrace 101 101 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20001

The Vegas Chamber & LVGEA Present A Night Celebrating Nevada's Bright Lights, Open Spaces & Free Spirits Sponsors:

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 Agenda Policy Meetings at the Willard InterContinental Hotel Morning Session: Welcome Breakfast & Political Affairs Keynote Sara Armstrong, Vice President and Managing Director, Political Affairs and Federation Relations, U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Ballroom The State of Health Care and What it Means to Employers Katie Mahoney, Vice President, Health Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Ballroom What’s Next for Employers and Labor Relations Marc Freedman, Vice President of Employment Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Ballroom Federal Transportation and What’s Next Ed Mortimer, Vice President, Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Ballroom

Afternoon Session: Hail to the Chiefs Luncheon at the Grand Ballroom Option 1: Public Option: Federal and Nevada Policies Partnership for America’s Health Care Future at the Grand Ballroom Option 2: The Future of Economic Development Policy International Economic Development Council at the Crystal Room Option 1: Future of Gaming American Gaming Association at the Grand Ballroom Option 2: Priorities of the Economic Development Administration Economic Development Administration at the Crystal Room Option 1: Federal Developments for Employers in Employment and Business Immigration Matters Greenberg Traurig at the Grand Ballroom Option 2: Workforce Gaps in Infrastructure-Related Industries National League of Cities at the Crystal Room Option 1: The State of Federal Policy in Post-Pandemic Washington Brookings Institution at the Grand Ballroom Option 2: Workforce Development Policy National Skills Coalition at the Crystal Room Chairwomen’s Reception Potamic River Cruise at the Wharf

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Political Affairs Keynote Tuesday, September 21, 2020 9:00 a.m. Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Overview: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions. Members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations. The fundamental activity of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is to develop and implement policy on major issues affecting business. The U.S Chamber advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy. Key issues range from smart tax policy and regulatory relief to legal reform and trade promotion. The U.S. Chamber works with more than 1,500 volunteers from member corporations, organizations and the academic community who serve on committees, subcommittees, task forces and councils to develop and implement policy on major issues affecting business.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Attendees will receive an overview of policy priorities and political objectives with the Biden Administration and Congress, the upcoming 2022 Midterm Election and the emerging issues that will impact the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races. Discussion will also focus on the overall federal political strategy of the US Chamber, developing and implementing policy on major issues affecting business, and how manage effective advocacy initiatives and programs.

Keynote Speaker: Sara Armstrong Vice President, Political Affairs and Federation Relations, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sara Armstrong is vice president of Political Affairs and Federation Relations at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She guides the Chamber’s national political efforts and election- related activities and directs outreach efforts to the grassroots and the federation of trade associations and chambers across the country. Previously, Armstrong served as chief of staff at the Republican National Committee (RNC) after leading the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee as chief executive officer. Before that, she was vice president of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Armstrong served at the RNC as chief operating officer for the 2014 election cycle and as deputy chief of staff during the 2012 presidential election cycle. She is also a former RNC director of member services. Armstrong was a special assistant to President George W. Bush and deputy chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush and served in the Bush administration as director of the White House Visitors Office. Armstrong resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, David. She was raised in Texas and South Carolina and received both her B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Chamber of Commerce The State of Health Care and What It Means to Employers Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:00 a.m. Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Overview: The goal of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Health Care Division is to expand access to and improve the affordability of high-quality health care services for all Americans. Their policy focus is centered on access and accountability while ensuring wellness, innovation, and value to consumers. This means greater flexibility for businesses in offering health care coverage to their employees, including the expansions of Association Health Plans (AHPs), adopting policies to stabilize the individual and small group markets as well as improving access to meaningful cost savings.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Discussion will focus on health care priorities of the Biden Administration and Congress, along with the response by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We will further explore what some of these proposals could mean for the immediate future of health care, along with what this could mean for businesses.

Staff Member: Katie Mahoney Vice President, Health Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Katie Mahoney rejoined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in June 2010. Mahoney has 20 years of health care experience in hospital and health plan operations as well as health policy. She is responsible for developing, advocating, and publicizing the Chamber’s policy on health and works with members of Congress, the administration, and regulatory agencies to promote the organization’s health policy. Mahoney also crafts regulatory responses for the Chamber and its member companies and addresses material areas as part of a comprehensive health policy. Mahoney joined the Chamber from the law firm of Greenberg Traurig where she served as assistant director of health and FDA business. There she analyzed legislative, and regulatory health care proposals and advised insurers, health care providers, and employers on the respective business impact. Previously, Mahoney worked at the U.S. Chamber as director of health care policy from 2004 to 2007. She focused on access to health coverage for small businesses and the uninsured, health plan mandates, ERISA preemption and regulatory requirements, COBRA, Medicare payment systems, retiree health coverage, medical liability reform, and health care quality improvement initiatives. Originally from Massachusetts, Mahoney graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with an undergraduate degree in English literature. She earned a law degree and a master’s degree in health administration from Tulane University’s Schools of Law and Public Health and Tropical Medicine, respectively.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce What’s Next for Employers and Labor Relations Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:30 a.m. Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Overview: U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Policy Division focuses on advancing employer concerns and interests in a wide array of policy debates. The United States economy is supported by a highly innovative, creative, productive, and industrious workforce. The jobs that make up the U.S. economy and the businesses that create those jobs, which in turn help workers provide for their families and lead healthy, comfortable, and fulfilling lives. To keep the economy vibrant and to continue to create opportunity for workers, we must ensure that new businesses can be launched, and current ones can be expanded. The U.S. Chamber promotes workplace policies that will enhance, not inhibit, economic growth and job creation.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Discussion will focus on national labor issues and policies being considered by the Department of Labor and Congress such as increases to work safety regulations, wage increase mandates, the expansion of unions, and additional requirements and mandates on employers. Conversations will also focus on a variety of issues including worker shortages, immigration, labormanagement relations, union corporate/strategic campaigns, workplace privacy, work-family issues and leave mandates.

Staff Member: Marc Freedman Vice President, Employment Practices, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Marc Freedman is vice president of employment policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for developing and advocating the Chamber’s response to OSHA matters, the Employee Free Choice Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and mandated leave issues, and other labor and workplace issues. Before joining the Chamber in October 2004, Freedman was the regulatory counsel for the Senate Small Business Committee under the chairmanships of Senators Kit Bond (R-MO) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Prior to joining the Small Business Committee in July 1999, Freedman was director of government affairs for the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. Previous to that, he worked on federal regulations for the Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Home Builders. Freedman graduated cum laude from Amherst College, and received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federal Transportation and What’s Next Tuesday, September 21, 2021 11:15 a.m. Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The discussion will cover federal transportation priorities and investments during the 117th Congress, and the role the business community plays in advocating for the support of vital priorities. Also discussed will be the increasing role of public-private partnerships and their role in addressing the growing needs of various projects across the nation.

Staff Member: Ed Mortimer Executive Director, Transportation Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Ed Mortimer is executive director of transportation infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Mortimer oversees the development and implementation of the U.S. Chamber’s transportation and infrastructure policy and represents the U.S. Chamber on Capitol Hill, as well as before the administration and other industry organizations regarding this issue. Mortimer also leads the Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition (AECOM) as its executive director. Mortimer comes to the U.S. Chamber from AECOM, where he served as director of government relations, and was responsible for coordinating government affairs efforts with the company’s infrastructure market segment, representing AECOM’s interests before federal, state and local officials. Prior to this role, Mortimer was the director of transportation and infrastructure as the U.S. Chamber. Mortimer also previously served as director of Government Relations for the Transportation Intermediaries Association and as a legislative representative for the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. Mortimer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University, as well as completing an executive management program from Georgetown University.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Hail to the Chiefs and Luncheon Tuesday, September 23, 2021 12:00 p.m. Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Several of the Chiefs of Staff from Nevada’s Congressional delegation will share their thoughts and perspective on policy issues affecting the business community. Discussion will cover a wide variety of topics and related congressional actions they expect to see happen during the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.

Panel Members: LaVontae Brooks Legislative Director, Office of Congressman Steven Horsford LaVontae Brooks currently serves as the Legislative Director to Congressman Horsford, a position he has held since December 2020. He previously served as a Legislative Assistant in Congressman Horsford’s office since January 2019 as well as a staff member in the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). LaVontae holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois.

Dara Cohen Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen Dara Cohen currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Senator Jacky Rosen, a position she previously held in then Congresswoman Rosen’s House office. Cohen brings over a decade of political and government experience, most recently serving as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12). Cohen is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and received her Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

Brandon Cox Chief of Staff, Office of Congresswoman Susie Lee Brandon Cox currently serves as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Susie Lee, a position he has held since January 2019. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Brandon served as Campaign Manager to Congresswoman. Lee. Brandon has also worked as the Campaign Manager for Joe Khan for District Attorney and as the Finance Director to several state, congressional, and local campaigns. Brandon is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Asha Jones Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Steven Horsford Asha Jones currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Congressman Horsford, a position she has held since December 2018. Asha previously worked as the Director of Government Affairs for the College of Southern Nevada and as the Nevada Political Director for the Hillary for America campaign. She also worked for U.S. Senator Harry Reid, and Congressman. Shelley Berkley. Brandon Cox

Molly Lowe Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Mark Amodei Molly Lowe currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Congressman Amodei, a position she has held since 2021. She previously served as Congressman Amodei’s Legislative Director from July 2018. Prior to joining Congressman Amodei’s office, Molly served as a Senior Legislative Assistant in the office of Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) where she focused on Energy, Homeland Security, and Tax policy. She is originally from Visalia, California and began working on Capitol Hill following her graduation from Pepperdine University in 2013 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Ben Rosenbaum Chief of Staff, Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus Ben Rosenbaum currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman. Dina Titus, a position he has held since Jan. 2019. Ben also serves as Congresswoman Titus’s Legislative Director, a position he has held since 2017, and previously served as a Senior Legislative Assistant. Previously, Ben worked in government affairs as well as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (DNY). Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Florida.

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

Scott Fairchild Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Senator Catherine CortezMasto Scott Fairchild currently serves as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto, a position he previously held from 2017 to 2018. From 2019 to December 2021, Scott served as the Executive Director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He also previously served as the campaign manager to Senator Cortez-Masto, Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2011, and former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA). He also served as former Congressman Murphy’s Chief of Staff.

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Health Care Public Option: Federal and Nevada Policies Tuesday, September 21, 2021 1:00 p.m. Option 1 Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Overview: In 2021, the Nevada State Legislative passed Senate Bill (SB) 420, which creates a state government public health care option in Nevada. Per the bill, health care providers are required to participate in the state public option if they serve Medicaid, Public Employees Benefits Program, or Workers’ Compensation patients. Also, hospitals and doctors will be paid current Medicare rates, which are below the cost of providing services. The Vegas Chamber along with chambers of commerce, trade associations and health care industry representatives opposed SB 420 because of several unintended consequences, including shifting costs to employer provided health insurance. The Chamber was also concerned that this would increase health care costs for Nevada’s working families and push doctors away from Nevada.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: In 2021, Nevada became only the second state to pass “public option” style legislation over the objection of every major health care stakeholder. What exactly is the “public option”? Does it have a future in federal or state policy and what does it mean for businesses and other consumers of health care.

Staff Member: Lauren Crawford Shaver Executive Director, Partnership for America’s Health Care Future Lauren Crawford Shaver oversees public affairs practice at Forbes Tate Partners and also serves as the Executive Director for the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future. Founded in 2018, the Partnership’s mission is to build on and improve what’s working, where private coverage, Medicare and Medicaid work together to expand access to coverage and care, and fix what’s not. The organization is a coalition of leading doctors, nurses, clinicians, community hospitals, health insurance providers, and biopharmaceutical companies who are working together to ensure every American has access to affordable, high-quality coverage they deserve. Previously, Crawford Shaver served as the Director of Expansion States for Hillary for America. In this role, she led efforts to build a Democratic infrastructure with state parties and candidates up and down the ballot – for 2016 and future cycles alike. Prior to that Crawford Shaver worked in the Obama Administration as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for health care at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Crawford Shaver’s outside-in approach to grassroots efforts applies the tactics of political campaigns to legislative and public affairs settings. She has directed several of the largest legislative public affairs campaigns in Washington – in fact, she has coordinated grassroots teams across all fifty states, and continues to meet and train additional teams to further expand her already remarkably talented network. A born and raised Seattleite, she received her Bachelor’s from the University of San Diego and received a Masters in Government from Johns Hopkins University, magna cum laude. She resides in Chevy Chase, MD with her husband, two daughters, and three bulldogs.

Source: Forbes Tates Partners, Nevada Legislature

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

International Economic Development Council Future of Economic Development Policy Tuesday, September 21, 2021 1:00 p.m. Option 2 Willard InterContinental Crystal Room Mission: The mission of the International Economic Development Council (EDC) is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members, and partners. The Council embraces the following core values. They reflect and support their mission, and guide their decisions, actions, and provision of services:

• • • • •

Social responsibility and a dedication to building healthy, just, and competitive communities Creation of wealth for individuals, businesses, and communities Advancement of both the economic development profession and professional Cooperation and collaboration Diversity, tolerance, and equity

Overview: The IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Discussion will focus on the impact of the economic stimulus packages passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these funds can help kickstart the economy while facilitating the recovery of business back to pre-pandemic profitability.

Staff Member: Jeff Finkle President & Chief Executive Officer, International Economic Development Council As President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and authority on economic development. With the formation of IEDC in 2001 following the merger of the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED) - where he was president for 15 years - and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC), Finkle set the course for a more effective and influential organization. Today, IEDC is the world’s largest economic development membership organization and is a $5 million annual operation that is renowned for its leadership in professionalizing and diversifying the field of economic development. Finkle previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development In 2011, he was lauded by the U.S. Department of Commerce for his 25 years of stewardship over CUED and IEDC. Moreover, as a longtime leader in community service and philanthropy, in 2005 Finkle organized 250 economic development volunteers to work in Gulf Coast communities endeavoring to recover from Hurricane Katrina. In 1989 he also founded the Bollinger Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to children who have lost a parent who worked in the field of economic development. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in communications in 1976 from Ohio University in Athens and pursued graduate studies in business administration at Ohio State University.

Source: International Economic Development Council

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

American Gaming Association The Future of Gaming Post COVID-19 Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:00 p.m. Option 1 Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Mission: The American Gaming Association (AGA) opened its office in Washington, D.C. in 1995 with the fundamental goal of creating a better understanding of the gaming entertainment industry by bringing facts about the industry to the public, elected officials, the media, and other decision makers through education and advocacy. The AGA represents the commercial casino entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting its members a nd their employees. The AGA focuses on federal issues including taxation, internet gaming and tourism. Furthermore, the AGA has an aggressive public education program designed to inform target audiences in the nation’s capital and across the country about the positive role that commercial gaming plays in communities across the country. The AGA also serves as the industry’s first national gaming information clearinghouse, providing the media, elected officials, other decision makers and the public with timely, accurate industry data.

Overview: Millions of Americans play various gambling games on the Internet, even though the businesses are typically illegal, unregulated and offer no consumer protections. An estimated 1,700 offshore sites accepted these bets, with the annual market estimated at $150 billion.

These closures caused a 31 percent drop in gaming revenue and had a significant in the top 20 casino markets. While the pandemic had a negative impact on traditional gaming sectors across the country, there was simultaneous growth in sports betting and iGaming. As a result of the pandemic, the gaming industry saw the lowest total annual revenue since 2003, with consumer spending on commercial gaming falling to $29.98 billion, down 31 percent from 2019. Every state with traditional gaming properties reported that 2020 revenues were significantly lower than 2019 revenues. This is attributed to the fact that casinos were closed because of COVID-19 mitigation efforts which resulted them bring closed collectively for more than 45,600 business days. Regarding domestic areas of growth, the BaltimoreWashington, D.C. gaming market is now the third largest in the country, behind only Las Vegas and Atlantic City. It has replaced Chicagoland as the previous third largest market. During the COVID-19 pandemic unemployment reached over 30 percent making the Las Vegas metro, one of the highest areas impacted by the pandemic. Las Vegas saw its largest industries from hospitality, gaming, live entertainment, and conventions in Nevada plummet to historic lows after years of growth. Tourism saw a 55 percent annual drop to 19 million visitors in 2020.

The AGA believes the technology now exists to properly regulate Internet gambling with appropriate law enforcement oversight to provide robust consumer protections for individuals gambling online.

Las Vegas conventions were canceled seeing lows not seen in 21 years with nearly all conventions being canceled from Mid-March to December.

The AGA also believes that online gambling operators and suppliers should be held to the same level of probity to which AGA members adhere in their traditional land-based operations.

With 28.6 percent of all workers tied into tourism, the 33.3 percent spike in April and average 14.7 percent unemployment rate was especially hard felt in gaming and tourism.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda:

Including secondary industries impacted by the drop in tourism wages paid in Southern Nevada declined by $5.5 billion going from $17.1 billion in 2019 to $11.6 billion in 2020.

Overview and discussion on how the gaming industry has responded to COVID-19 on a national level by working to promote and shape a positive and compelling image of the gaming industry with the Administration and congressional members. Discussion will also highlight the important role that Nevada plays as a leader in gaming, focusing on employee and customer safety, implementation of new safety standards and what that means to the industry’s economic recovery and the effects of the COVID Pandemic.

Economic Impact: The COVID-19 Pandemic had a significant impact on the nation’s gaming industry, which was marked with the closure of all 989 (including tribal gaming) brick and mortar casinos in the United States in March 2020.

With the downfall of visitation, we saw a 52.2 percent decline in visitor spending from $36.9 billion to $17.6 billion. As of March 2021, Domestic air travel in the U.S. is still down 40 percent from pre-pandemic levels and international travel remains down further than 85 percent. The passenger count at McCarran airport set a record in 2019 at 51.5 million passengers, falling 56.9 percent to 22.2 million. This was the lowest passenger total since 1992. Visitor volume in 2020 from March to December dropped nearly 67 percent compared to the same time frame in 2019.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

The drive-in visitors were much more reliable as the daily driver count dipped 16.2 percent. With 29 percent of the Southern Nevada Economy relying on tourism, the highest dependency in the nation, Las Vegas was one of the hardest hit cities in the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cylke joined the AGA in July 2017, after almost a decade of serving as a lobbyist at several trade associations and seven years on Capitol Hill. His trade association experience includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Motion Picture Association of America, and the National Music Publishers Association. On Capitol Hill, Cylke served as the senior legislative assistant and deputy parliamentarian for the Republican staff of the House Judiciary Committee.

National Data:

• • • • •

Economic Impact: $261 billion Jobs Supported: 1.8 million Tax Revenue: $6.69 billion Number of Casinos: 462 Number of states with Casinos: 25

Nevada:

• • • •

Cylke continues to use his broad experience navigating complex legislative and regulatory issues on behalf of the gaming industry, and his expertise in developing meaningful public policy solutions is invaluable to AGA members. Cylke holds a degree in political science from James Madison University. He has spent much of his childhood and adult life in Arlington, Virginia, where he currently resides with his wife and two children.

Job Supported: 300,700 Tax Revenue: $1.5 billion Number of Casinos: 215

Source: American Gaming Association, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, National Indian Gaming Commission, Nevada Resort Association

Payroll: $6.5 billon

The top five U.S. commercial markets are:

• • • • •

Las Vegas: $3.65 billion Atlantic City: $1.48 billion Baltimore-Washington, D.C.: $1.31 billion Chicagoland: $1.12 billion Gulf Coast: $1.04 billion

Tribal Gaming: America’s tribal gaming sector continues to grow across the country. The industry is overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission, which is an independent federal regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Tribal gaming represents 525 casinos, operated by 244 federally organized tribes in 29 states. 2020 numbers are not yet available, but it estimated because of pandemic related closures and restrictions it is estimated that revenue is expected to be about 25 percent lower of 2019 when they collectively generated an estimated $33.7 billion in gaming revenues. The Las Vegas area has seen two tribal gaming entities enter the market with the opening of the Virgin Hotel and the pending sale of The Palms in the 4th Quarter of 2021.

Staff Member: Chris Cylke Senior Vice President of Government Relations, American Gaming Association Chris Cylke currently serves as senior vice president, government relations for the American Gaming Association (AGA). In this role, he leads the AGA’s efforts to advocate for the gaming industry’s public policy objectives and to develop congressional champions. Additionally, Cylke manages the AGA’s public policy committee, tax and financial policy working group, and off-reservation gaming task force.

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Economic Development Administration Priorities of the Economic Development Administration Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:00 p.m. Option 2 Willard InterContinental Crystal Room Mission: The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA)investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation is key to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a resilient economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery because regions are the centers of competition in the new global economy and those that work together to leverage resources and use their strengths to overcome weaknesses will fare better than those that do not. EDA encourages its partners around the country to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions.

Overview: EDA provides economic development financial assistance to communities so they can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in a way that works best for them. Through its network of regionally based staff and portfolio of flexible grant tools, EDA helps communities experiencing economic distress, take control of their future and position themselves for economic prosperity and resiliency.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Discussion will be focused on the new ways in which the EDA can help in providing economic development financial to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship at the community level. The discussion will also touch on the robust system of grants, regional staffers and other flexible financial instruments used during the pandemic to help economically distressed communities and their small businesses.

Source: U.S. Economic Development Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Federal Developments for Employers in Employment and Business Immigration Matters Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:45 p.m. Option 1 Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Mission: Early on, Greenberg Traurig developed a strong commitment to giving back to the community. Their team of attorneys and business staff strive to make a difference by leading, volunteering, and donating to a rich spectrum of causes. Fifty years after its founding, Greenberg Traurig has more than 2,200 attorneys and 41 locations on three continents. As each new office opened, this unique culture was replicated, but never duplicated. The firm grew by way of laterals who fit in and had a passion for quality work and collaboration, and in response to client needs. Greenberg Traurig has never added lawyers through a merger and remains one firm. Each new office can be traced to an opportunity to better serve clients. There never has been a headquarters office. From Day 1, people have been empowered to do the right thing and the best thing no matter where they were sitting. These qualities have allowed the firm to thrive along with its valued clients, attorneys, and staff.

Overview: Greenberg Traurig’s Immigration & Compliance Practice represents businesses, organizations, and individuals from around the world on a wide range of immigration matters and visa needs. Their Immigration & Compliance Practice advises multinational corporations on a variety of employment-related immigration issues, focusing on strategic immigration planning for U.S. and international companies for the international relocation of personnel both from and into the United States. They work with clients to address the visa and work authorization needs of U.S. and global personnel, including professionals, managers and executives, treaty investors/traders, essential workers, persons of extraordinary ability, corporate trainees, and students. Greenberg Traurig’s legislative and advocacy lawyers have been called upon by congressional offices, the White House, and other agencies to lend their technical knowledge. Additionally, the firm’s I-9 Compliance group assists companies with drafting employment verification compliance policies, training sessions, internal audits, as well as representation in government audits. The Immigration and Compliance Practice also defends businesses involving large-scale government raids and audits.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The panel will examine how the nation’s immigration policy is impacting employers, productivity, and the workplace and what legislative action President Biden or Congress may take. The discussion will be focused on both the short-term and long-term effects immingration policy and reform may have on the workplace, policy directives and costs to employers.

Panel Members: Johnine Barnes Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig Johnine Barnes has wide-ranging experience in labor and employment law. She is nationally recognized by the Legal 500 U.S. Guide for her counselling and compliance practice regarding employment laws, including but not limited to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other federal and state statutes governing employment issues. In addition, Barnes is recognized by Lawdragon 500 as Leading Lawyer in America, and as a Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyer. She is experienced in litigating and defending employment claims of harassment, retaliation, discrimination, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract, as well as business litigation matters. She has experience handling non-compete agreement and contract disputes, trade secret matters, international disputes, white collar crime claims, property interest disputes and legislative matters.

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Alisa Nave-Worth Las Vegas Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig Alisa Nave-Worth has more than a decade’s-worth of experience with politics and government affairs. She has deep legal, political, and public policy experience in Nevada, which she uses to implement and advocate legislative strategies before state and local agencies for a wide range of corporate clients. She maintains strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators and has a reputation for honesty and integrity to her clients. Nave-Worth represents clients with legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues across all policy areas, with an emphasis in transportation, construction, entertainment, infrastructure, and campaign finance compliance in Nevada. She has experience advocating for clients before the Nevada legislature and assisting clients with the rule-making process and advising onregulatory matters before state agencies, boards, and commissions. Nave-Worth is an experienced campaign consultant with experience in Presidential campaigns and was directly responsible for building expansive grassroots and political coalitions throughout the state.

Laura Reiff Managing Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig Laura Foote Reiff Co-Chairs the Immigration & Compliance Practice and is the Co-Managing Shareholder of the Northern Virginia Office. She also Co-Chairs the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice’s International Employment, Immigration & Workforce Strategies group. Reiff focuses her practice on business immigration laws and regulations affecting U.S. and foreign companies, as well as related employment compliance and legislative issues. Reiff advises corporations on a variety of compliance-related issues, particularly related to Form I-9 eligibility employment verification matters. She develops immigration compliance strategies and programs for both small and large companies, while performing I-9, H-1B and H-2B compliance inspections during routine internal reviews, while performing due diligence or while defending a company against a government investigation. She represents many businesses in creating, managing, and using “Regional Centers” that can create indirect jobs toward the 10 new U.S. jobs whose creation can give rise to EB-5 permanent residence for investment. She also represents individual investors in obtaining conditional permanent residence and in removing conditions from permanent residence. Reiff’s practice also consists of managing business immigration matters and providing immigration counsel to address the visa and work authorization needs of U.S. and global personnel including professionals, managers and executives, treaty investors/ traders, essential workers, persons of extraordinary ability, corporate trainees, and students. She is an immigration policy advocacy expert and works on immigration reform policies.

Source: Greenberg Trauig

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

National League of Cities Workforce Gaps in Infrastructure-Related Industries Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:45 p.m. Option 2 Willard InterContinental Crystal Room Mission: The mission of the National League of Cities (NLC) is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, the National League of Cities serves as a resource to and an advocate for the more than 19,000 cities, villages, and towns it represents.

Overview: The NLC is the oldest and largest organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. The NLC is an organization comprised of city, town and village leaders that are focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents. With over 90 years of dedication to the strength, health, and advancement of local governments, NLC has gained the trust and support of more than 2,000 cities across the nation. NLC’s mission is to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Discussion will focus on research initiatives being undertaken by the NLC. Research focus has included economic development, workforce initiatives, and the relation between states and local governments.

Staff Member: Dr. Christiana K. McFarland Research Director, National League of Cities Christiana K. McFarland is the Research Director of the National League of Cities, the nation’s largest advocacy, resource and research organization dedicated to strengthening cities. She directs the organization’s research agenda and conducts NLC’s major research initiatives, including City Fiscal Conditions and State of the Cities. Dr. McFarland also launched and leads NLC’s research partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues and is the principal researcher on economic development, municipal finance, workforce development and city-state relationship issues. She has been with NLC since 2001, and prior to her post as Research Director, launched NLC’s finance and economic development program focused on supporting municipal leadership and outcomes in economic development, workforce development and municipal finance. Dr. McFarland has a B.A. in Political Science and Economics and Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University, and a PhD in Planning, Governance and Globalization from Virginia Tech.

Source: National League of Cities

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Brookings Institution The State of Federal Policy in Post-Pandemic Washington Tuesday, September 21, 2021 3:30 p.m. Option 1 Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Mission: The purpose of the Brookings Mountain West is to bring Brookings Institution’s high quality, and highimpact research to the issues facing the dynamic and fast-growing Intermountain West region. The initiative builds upon the work of Brookings’ Metropolitan Policy Program, which focuses on helping metropolitan areas like Las Vegas grow in robust, inclusive, and sustainable ways. The collaborative efforts with Brookings Mountain West have helped shaped the policy conversations in Nevada. Efforts have included the establishment and funding of the UNLV School of Medicine, the creation of the Southern Nevada Forum, the designation of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix and other economic development initiatives.

Overview: The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and based on that research, provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

• • •

Strengthen American democracy Foster the economic and social welfare, security, and opportunity of all Americans Secure a more open, safe, prosperous, and cooperative international system

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The conversation will focus on President Joe Biden’s relations with congressional leaders and how those relationships are affecting the President’s policy agenda ahead of the 2022 Midterm Elections.

Staff Member: John Hudak Deputy Director, Center for Effective Public Management and Senior Fellow, Governance Studies, Brookings Institution John Hudak is deputy director of the Center for Effective Public Management and a senior fellow in Governance Studies. His research examines questions of presidential power in the contexts of administration, personnel, and public policy. Additionally, he focuses on campaigns and elections, legislative-executive interaction, and state and federal marijuana policy. Hudak’s 2016 book, Marijuana: A Short History, offers a unique, up-to-date profile of how cannabis emerged from the shadows of counterculture and illegality to become a serious, even mainstream, public policy issue and source of legal revenue for both businesses and governments. His 2014 book, Presidential Pork: White House Influence over the Distribution of Federal Grants demonstrates that pork barrel politics occurs beyond the halls of Congress. Prior to joining Brookings, Hudak’s served as the program director and as a graduate fellow at the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions. He holds a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Vanderbilt University.

Source: Brookings Institution

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

National Skills Coalition Workforce Development Policy Tuesday, September 21, 2021 3:30 p.m. Option 2 Willard InterContinental Grand Ballroom Mission: Jobs that require skills training are the backbone of the nation’s economy. National Skills Coalition (NSC) fights for a national commitment to inclusive, high-quality skills training so that more people have access to a better life, and more local businesses see sustained growth. Since 2000, through expert analysis and technical assistance, broad-based organizing, targeted advocacy, and cutting-edge communications, NSC has changed hundreds of state and federal skills policies that have changed thousands of lives and grown local businesses and economies.

Overview: NSC is a national organization fighting for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that people have access to a better life, and local businesses see sustained growth. NSC engages in analysis and technical assistance, organizing, advocacy, and communications to improve state and federal skills policies.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The discussion will focus on skills training, which means any education or training that prepares people for jobs that require a credential past high school, but not a bachelor’s degree. This includes career and technical education at community colleges, apprenticeships and work-based learning on job sites, job training at community organizations, and more.

Staff Member: Rob Garcia Manager, Business Leaders United, National Skills Coalition Rob Garcia is one of the Managers of Business Leaders United (BLU) for Workforce Partnerships with National Skills Coalition. In this role, Garcia creates a platform for business and industry leaders to inform and advance workforce and education policies that address the needs of business. He also facilitates BLU’s collaboration with chambers of commerce and industry associations to provide those organizations and their members a unified voice on skills policy; and provides capacity to grow and support local BLU affiliates in targeted states across the country. Garcia joined NSC in July 2018 and he is based in Washington, D.C. Garcia previously worked as the Senior Manager of Workforce Initiatives at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Northwest Atlanta. In this role, he led the development of the Cobb Workforce Partnership—a coalition of Cobb’s business, education, and community leaders to identify and address the workforce needs of Cobb County—and helped create Georgia BLU in partnership with other Metro Atlanta chambers. He also served on Cobb’s Workforce Investment Board and on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors. Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University.

Source: National Skills Coalition

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Vegas Chamber & LVGEA Chairwomen's

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WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Agenda Congressional Meetings at the National Press Club Building Morning Session: Breakfast and Congressman Mark Amodei, NV-2 National Media Keynote Speaker Frank Luntz, National Pollster and News Contributor Congressman Steven Horsford, NV-4 U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, NV Congressman Billy Long, MO-7 Congresswoman Susie Lee, NV-3

Afternoon Session: I-11 and I-15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, NV Congressional Member Meeting Congressional Member Meeting

VEGAS CHAMBER

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei (R) Nevada’s Second Congressional District Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

NATIONAL LABOR POLICY The Vegas Chamber will continue to push for federal policies that allow businesses to thrive. This including advocating for the appoint members to the National Relations Labor Board who understand the complexities of business ownership and allow job creators to rebuild the economy and not be overwhelmed with burdensome regulations that will hinder economic recovery.

PUBLIC LANDS The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA are supportive efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA supports further assistance to businesses as many continue to try and balance budgets and rehire Nevadans.

TAXES The Vegas Chamber requests that members of Nevada’s Congressional Delegation do not support legislation that will raise taxes on employers at the present time and allow time for employers to focus on rebuilding their businesses and hiring Nevadans back to work. The focus must be on economic recovery for the benefit of all Nevadans.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional projects, such as the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

WATER POLICY The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact to Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability in the region. The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA are urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Appropriations

Subcommittee Assignments: • Legislative Branch, Vice Chair • Interior, Environment and Related Agencies • Financial Services and General Government

Public Service: • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2011 in a special election • Nevada State Senate from 1998 to 2010 • Nevada State Assembly from 1996 to 1998

Education/Alma Mater: • Carson City High School, Carson City, Nevada • University of Nevada Reno • McGeorge Law School Children: • Two daughters

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

YUCCA MOUNTAIN The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA continue to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in Nevada because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Keynote Speaker Frank Luntz National Pollster and News Contributor Wednesday, September 22, 2021 9:30 a.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Meeting Topic: The discussion will focus on how messaging and communications methods are important in how policy makers engage with voters and how voters respond to those messages. There will also be discussion how those factors can affect national policy issues and impact the 2022 Midterm Elections.

Keynote Speaker: Frank Luntz National Pollster and News Contributor Frank Luntz is one of the most honored communication professionals in America today. The “Instant Response” focus group technique pioneered by Dr. Luntz has been profiled on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America (on Election Day), and on PBS’s award-winning Frontline. He has been a guest on virtually every talk show in America, including multiple appearances on The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher, as well as Meet the Press, Nightline, The Today Show, the PBS News Hour, and Face the Nation. Dr. Luntz was a Debate Night, Election Day and impeachment commentator on Bloomberg, CNBC and the BBC in 2020, CBS in 2016, Fox News in 2008 and 2012, and MSNBC in 2000. His reoccurring segments on MSNBC/CNBC, “100 Days, 1000 Voices” won the coveted Emmy Award in 2001. Throughout his career, Dr. Luntz has worked for more than fifty Fortune 500 companies and CEOs. However, he is best known for political commentary – more media outlets have turned to him to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster. He appears regularly on HBO and Fox News, having co-hosted many live primetime specials and dial sessions during the presidential debates. In both 2012 and 2016 elections, Frank was the only non-journalist invited to host a debate of the GOP presidential contenders. He also served as a consultant to the NBC hit show The West Wing. Dr. Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 2,500 surveys, focus groups, ad tests, and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries on six continents over the past 20 years. His political knowledge and skills are recognized globally, and he has served as an election consultant and commentator in Canada, Britain, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, Venezuela, and Ukraine.

Source: Frank Luntz

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford (D) Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Ways and Means • House Committee on Budget • House Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee Assignments: • Subcommittee on Health • Subcommittee on Oversight • Subcommittee on Social Security • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces • Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces

Public Service: • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and 2018 • Majority Leader, Nevada State Senate from 2009 to 2013 • Nevada State Senate from 2004 to 2013

Education: • Ed W. Clark High School, Las Vegas • University of Nevada, Reno

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA continue to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in Nevada because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D) Nevada Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

Committee Assignments: • Committee on Armed Services • Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation • Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions • Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs • Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship • Special Committee on Aging Subcommittee Assignments: • Subcommittee on Airland • Subcommittee on Cybersecurity • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces • Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation • Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband • Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion (Chairman) • Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety • Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight Public Service: • Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018 • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 Education: • University of Minnesota, Minneapolis • College of Southern Nevada Spouse: • Larry Rosen Children: • One daughter Source: U.S. Senate

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Congressman Billy Long (R) Missouri’s Seventh Congressional District Meeting Topic: Discussion regarding energy and commerce policy that is being considered by Congress and the potential impact on businesses and employers.

Biographical Highlights Congressman Long was born and raised in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District where he proudly serves his constituents today. Congressman Long sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he serves on three crucial subcommittees: Communications and Technology, Health, and Oversight and Investigations. Congressman Long has focused on Energy Independence, National Defense and supporting Small Businesses as key priorities during his time in Washington.

Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Congressman Long has always believed we need more lawmakers in Washington, D.C. with real-world experience. He owned and operated auction and real estate businesses in southwest Missouri before running for office.

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

Voted ‘Best Auctioneer in the Ozarks’ 9 years straight, it’s no surprise he has been inducted into both the National Auctioneers’ Association Hall of Fame and the Missouri Professional Auctioneers’ Association Hall of Fame. While he’s known for his unconventional, out of the box thinking, it all gets back to trying to do his best whether that’s selling grandma’s antiques or negotiating with his colleagues on Capitol Hill for the best outcome for his constituents. He’s known for his good nature and humor in Washington which both serve him well when negotiating with colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Congressman Long has always believed that the principles of life, liberty, freedom and the power of the individual are values that we need to protect. As a result of his conservative track record, he has received awards from organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Safari Club International.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

U.S. Congresswoman Susie Lee (D) Nevada’s Third Congressional District Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

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Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Appropriations

Subcommittee Assignments: • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies • Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies • Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Public Service: • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 • Superintendent’s Educational Opportunities Advisory Committee • Guinn Center Board of Directors • Lincy Institute Education Committee Advisory Board

Education: • Carnegie-Mellon University Spouse: • Dan Lee Children: • Two Children

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

I-11 and I-15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon Wednesday, September 22, 2021 12:30 p.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Transportation infrastructure is one of the most important factors to consider in effective economic development and job creation. During this panel discussion, representatives from federal, state, and local transportation entities will discuss the importance of multi-state transportation infrastructure and corridor management, with updates on what is being planned for the main routes impacting Southern Nevada; Interstate 11 (I-11) and Interstate 15 (I-15).

Panel Members: Steve Hill Chief Executive Officer/President, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Steve Hill is the Chief Executive Officer/President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization that promotes and attracts tourism, conventions, meetings and special events to Las Vegas and throughout Southern Nevada. The LVCVA is the destination marketing organization for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, and its mission centers on attracting visitors by promoting the destination as the world’s most desirable location for leisure and business travel. The LVCVA also owns and operates the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop designed by The Boring Company and owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. Under Hill’s leadership, the LVCC recently completed construction of its $980 million expansion as well as the Convention Center Loop, a first-of-its kind underground transportation system in partnership with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. The convention center expansion adds 1.4 million additional square feet of exhibition and meeting space to the existing campus for a total of 4.6 million square feet throughout the entire facility. Hill owned Silver State Materials from 1987 until its purchase by CalPortland in 2008 where he served as Senior Vice President until 2011. He was then appointed director of the newly established Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) by Governor Brian Sandoval where during his tenure he lured numerous businesses to the state, including Tesla, Apple, and HyperloopOne.

MJ Maynard CEO, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada As Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), M.J. Maynard is a master of connectivity – connecting 2.2 million Nevadans to economic, educational, and recreational opportunities and more than 43 million tourists to one-of-a-kind attractions in the entertainment capital of the world. She leads the only agency nationwide that is responsible for a region’s public transit system, traffic management, roadway design and construction funding, and transportation and overall planning efforts – all under one roof. Maynard joined the RTC in February 2007 and served as Assistant General Manager of Administrative Services and later as Deputy Chief Executive Officer prior to leading the agency. In these roles, M.J. and her extensive team managed a budget of more than $367 million annually and oversaw one of the nation’s most efficient bus mode-only transit service operations. During her history with agency, she has launched several groundbreaking initiatives including on-demand mobility options; the rideRTC smartphone app; and a massive transit safety expansion project. M.J. worked in Las Vegas’ bustling hospitality industry for more than 25 years prior to joining the RTC, where she served as Vice President for Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for more than a decade.

Greta Seidman Director of Public Affairs, Brightline West Greta Seidman has more than 15 years of experience in integrated marketing, communications, public affairs, and brand strategy. She currently directs public affairs activities for Brightline West, the nation’s first all-electric, zero-emissions, high-speed train line, to run between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Duties include local and state elected official outreach, public outreach, and communications for the project as it ramps up for construction in early 2021. Prior to joining the Brightline West team, she served as the Director of Communications for Nevada HAND, the state’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer, creating and implementing strategic messaging campaigns and leading

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

all media relations, social media, crisis management, stakeholder awareness, and government affairs activities for the organization. Seidman also served as Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for more than seven years, leading the Chamber’s brand development efforts; drafting and disseminating key business issue pieces to the public; serving as the lead for Preview Las Vegas and the Business Voice magazine; and developing niche benefit programs, events, and other engagement opportunities. She holds a BA and Executive MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Las Vegas and was named one of VegasInc.’s “40 Under 40” in 2018

Kristina Swallow, P.E. Director, Nevada Department of Transportation Director Kristina Swallow was appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak in January of 2019. As Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, she is responsible for overseeing the state highway system and proudly leads a dedicated and talented team of approximately 1,800 people. Director Swallow joins NDOT with more than 25 years of diverse experience in engineering, public policy, and community advocacy. As a practicing civil engineer, Kristina has worked in several technical areas including flood control, traffic impact analysis and mitigation, land development, public works, and transportation policy. Bridging industry gaps, she has been a small business owner, a consultant and served as a program manager in city government. Additionally, she worked in the U.S. Senate on transportation policy including the passage of MAP-21 and as a lobbyist for local government during the 2013 Nevada State Legislative Session. Director Swallow’s passion for serving the engineering community at-large is echoed by her role as 2018 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a global organization representing over 150,000 members in 177 countries.

Source: Brightline West, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Nevada Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D) Nevada Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

Committee Assignments: • Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs • Committee on Energy and Natural Resources • Committee on Finance • Committee on Indian Affairs Subcommittee Assignments:

• • • • • • • • •

Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment Subcommittee on Energy Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining (Chairman) Subcommittee on Water and Power Subcommittee on Health Care Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight

Public Service:

• •

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 Served as Attorney General of Nevada from 2007 to 2015

Education: • University of Nevada, Reno

•

Gonzaga University School of Law

Spouse: • Paul Masto Source: U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

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INTERSTATE 11 & 15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon

Wednesday, September 22 12:30-1:30 p.m. National Press Club Building 529 14th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20045 Sponsors:

Thursday, September 23, 2021 Agenda Congressional Meetings and Policy Roundtables at the National Press Club Building Morning Session: Breakfast and Foreign Policy Keynote His Excellency, the Ambassador of Mexico Congresswoman Dina Titus, NV-1 Congressman Dan Newhouse, WA-4 Congressman Rodney Davis, IL-13 Luncheon and Keynote: Budget Reconciliation and How it Impacts Nevada and the Midterm Elections Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

Afternoon Session: Natural Resource Policy in a Changing Political Climate The Porter Group Infrastructure Issues in the 117th Congress United for Infrastructure What Will It Take to Train Our Workforce in a Pandemic Recovery and Beyond National Association of Workforce Boards Nevada State Dinner Gala Willard InterContinental Hotel

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Keynote Speaker Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States of America Esteban Moctezuma Thursday, September 23, 2021 9:00 a.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Meeting Topic: The discussion will be about cultivating relationships and engaging in policy conversations critical to the future of both to Mexico and Nevada’s economic opportunities, diplomatic relations, and trade initiatives. Nevada is home to almost 600,000 immigrants, which represent 19% of the state’s population. Mexican immigrants are the largest population, representing 39% of the state’s total. Additionally, the more than 630,000 people of Mexican origin represent 75% of the total Latino population and 21% of all Nevadans. 180,000 of which live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Mexican tourism has also historically been an important driver of Nevada’s economy. Before the pandemic, Mexican tourists occupied the second place in international tourism after Canada, today they rank first in the world. Mexico-Nevada trade accounted for $1.71 billion in 2019. Mexico is the 3rd largest supplier for Nevada and 4th largest market for the state’s exports. The importance of Nevada’s trade relationship is highlighted by the fact that over 45,000 jobs in the battle-born state depend on trade with Mexico.

Keynote Speaker: Esteban Moctezuma Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States of America

Ambassador Moctezuma holds a degree in Economics by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He also earned a master’s degree in Economic Development from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and completed a course on Regional Development in Tokyo, Japan. He was awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas. Regarding his career in civil society, he served as Executive President of Fundación Azteca (2001-2018); promoter of the System of Children’s and Youth Symphony Orchestras Esperanza Azteca (2009-2018); trainer of Youth of Excellence through the Bicentennial Generation Scholarships (2010-2018); promoter of the program for the conservation of natural protected areas ¡Que viva la Selva Lacandona! (2004-2018); responsible for the campaign Limpiemos nuestro México (2009-2018); member of the Board of Directors at the Mexican Foundation of Health (2004-2018); President of the Board of Trustees of the National Institute of Public Health (2011-2015); Assembly Member at the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (2013-2017); Vice President of the organization «Entrepreneurs in Basic Education» and President of «Social Commitment for the Quality and Equity of Education». Ambassador Moctezuma has been a columnist for several Mexican newspapers and has written several books.

Source: Government of Mexico

Ambassador Moctezuma was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States of America by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He was ratified by the Senate of the Republic in February 2021 with 115 votes in favor of 116 attending senators. He was Secretary of Public Education since 2018. Among his government positions, he previously served as Secretary of Social Development (1998-1999); Federal Senator of the Republic (1997-1998); Secretary of Interior (1994-1995); Undersecretary of Educational Planning and Coordination (1993-1994) and Chief Administrative Officer (1992-1993) at the Secretariat of Public Education; Chief Administrative Officer at the Secretariat of Programming and Budget (1988-1992); and Secretary of Administration for the Government of the State of Sinaloa (1982-1987). He was responsible for implementing the autonomy of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (1994).

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U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse (R) Washington’s Fouth Congressional District Meeting Topic: Discussion on policies that are being considered by Congress and the potential impact on small businesses and employers.

Biographical Highlights

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Congressman Dan Newhouse is a lifelong resident of Central Washington and is honored to represent the 4th District in Congress. A third-generation Yakima Valley farmer, Congressman Newhouse brings real-world experience to Congress as a businessman and former state legislator ready to work hard in support of conservative solutions that encourage job creation and economic opportunity in Central Washington. He understands that looking out for taxpayers means that Congress must stay on budget and make the government work efficiently to fulfill its responsibilities.

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Congressman Newhouse serves on the Appropriations Committee, which exercises jurisdiction on critical legislative issues for the 4th District.

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He served four terms as a legislator in the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 15th Legislative District from 2003 to 2009. In the Legislature, he earned a reputation as a principled conservative willing to work with colleagues to support policies that foster economic growth.

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From 2009 to 2013, he served as Director of Washington State’s Department of Agriculture, where he listened to the concerns of Washington farmers and promoted the state’s agricultural resources.

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Congressman Newhouse attended Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Dan is also a graduate of the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program.

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Congressman lives in Sunnyside with his wife, Joan. He has two adult children: Jensena, Devon and his wife Halley. The Newhouse family continues to operate an 850-acre farm where they grow hops, tree fruit and grapes.

Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Appropriations Source: U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis (R) Illinois’ Thirteenth Congressional District Biographical Highlights:

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Rodney Davis is currently serving his fifth term in Congress representing the 13th District of Illinois, which covers a 14-county region that inclu des both urban and rural communities in central and southwestern Illinois.

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Davis serves on the Committee on House Administration, where he is the Ranking Member, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. On this committee, he’s advocated for increased investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, highways, and water infrastructure. Davis is also a member of The House Committee on Agriculture.

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Congressm an Davis also a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, The Republican Governance Group, and the Veterinary Medicine Caucus.

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During his time in Congress, David has worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to be an effective lawmaker. In the previous s ession of Congress, the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy’s Bipartisan Index ranked Davis as the most bipartisan member of Congress from the state of Illinois and the 14th most bipartisan nationwide.

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Committee Assignments: • House Committee on Administration • House Committee on Agriculture • House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure • Joint Committee of Congress on the Library Source: U.S. House of Representatives

Since he was seven, Davis has called the 13th District home, where he, his wife, and three kids attend church and are active in the community. His first job was flipping burgers at his parents’ restaurant in Taylorville. He attended Millikin University in Decatur and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Prior to being elected to the U.S. House in 2012, he served as Projects Director for Congressman John Shimkus for 16 years, helping Illinois citizens and communities cut through government red tape and secure federal funding.

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U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus (D) Nevada’s First Congressional District Meeting Topics: EMPLOYEER/EMPLOYEE RIGHTS The Vegas Chamber is opposed to the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which will take away workers’ rights to choosing whether to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts that the legislation will have on Nevada’s job creators.

Committee Assignments:

• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure • House Committee on Foreign Affairs • House Committee on Homeland Security

Subcommittee Assignments:

• Subcommittee on Aviation • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit • Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management (Chair) • Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific • Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment • Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability • Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security

Public Service:

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 to represent Nevada’s First Congressional District • Previously elected to the House Representatives in 2008 representing Nevada’s Third Congressional District for one-term • Nevada State Senate from 1988 to 2008 • Minority Leader, Nevada State Senate from 1993 to 2008

Education:

• Bachelor of Science from the College of William and Mary • Master’s degree from the University of Georgia • Doctorate degree at Florida State University

Spouse:

• Dr. Tom Wright

Source: U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Budget Reconciliation and the Impact on Nevada Thursday, September 23, 2021 11:30 a.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Overview: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is a full-service lobbying, public policy and legal representation practice that helps companies, associations, nonprofits, and other organizations interpret federal government actions, solve challenges, and seize opportunities through interaction with government officials. Their work includes legislative consulting, lobbying, policy development, public relations strategy, political messaging, and representation in front of the Congress, federal agencies, and regulatory bodies. With seasoned government relations professionals in every office, Brownstein provides comprehensive service at the federal, state, and local levels throughout the country.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The budget reconciliation process is an important tool used by Congress to fast-track legislation. The process can include the implementation of the policy choices embodied in the annual congressional budget resolution. Discussion will focus on what the current budget reconciliation means at the national level, the different perspectives on the politics of budget making, and how it will impact Nevada.

Panel Members: Rosemary Becchi Strategic Advisor and Counsel, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Rosemary Becchi interprets complex tax and financial services’ regulations as they move through Washington, D.C. in real-time and advocates before agency officials at Treasury, the IRS, the SEC, and the Federal Reserve to affect outcomes. She has an unmatched ability to dig down into the technical aspects of the U.S. tax code to determine the sometimesunintended impacts of both existing law and proposed rulemaking on her clients. Becchi uses her deep knowledge of the regulatory process to identify solutions, from asking for a private letter ruling to encouraging broad agency guidance to leveraging her bipartisan relationships with the House and Senate tax-writing committees to weigh in with agency officials clarifying original intent. Becchi began her government career at the IRS as an attorney and advisor before serving as tax counsel to the majority staff of the Senate Finance Committee. She also held in-house executive positions: Becchi served as vice president of federal government relations at Citigroup and established the government relations office at Fidelity Investments.

Nadeam Elshami Policy Director, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Formerly chief of staff for then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Nadem Elshami’s 25-year career on the Hill is punctuated by a collection of achievements fueled by his expertise in negotiating policy on behalf of Democratic leadership and in forming the bipartisan relationships that helped move key pieces of legislation through a gridlocked Congress. During his time with Leader Pelosi, Elshami oversaw every aspect of policy, communications, operations, and member relations. He previously served as her communications director and senior advisor working on messaging around the successful passage of the Affordable Care Act, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and other historic legislation. Prior to joining Brownstein, Elshami was an executive vice president at a D.C.-based public affairs firm. He was named a spring 2018 fellow at the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, is included in Politico’s Playbook Power List of the 30 most powerful people and groups in Trump’s Washington and is a regular CNN contributor.

Emily Felder Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Emily Felder has tackled some of the nation’s most challenging health care issues from inside the executive branch and on Capitol Hill. She is co-chair of the firm’s Health Care Group, leads the firm’s federal health care practice and provides clients across the industry with strategic guidance, technical expertise, and regulatory counsel. She develops and executes legislative and regulatory solutions on behalf of health care systems, physician and provider groups, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, and works directly with policymakers to carry proposed solutions across the finish line.

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In both Congress and the administration, she led health care-related oversight efforts and coordinated with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of the Inspector General. Now, she mitigates exposure for companies at the center of investigations related to health care; drug policy and pricing; Medicare fraud; Medicaid reimbursement; and other federal benefit programs. Most recently, Felder served as the director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Office of Legislation. Prior, she served as counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Kate Gonzalez Policy Advisor, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Kate Gonzales served as a legislative aide in the House office of then-Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and moved with her to the Senate, where she served as a policy advisor handling the space, science, agriculture, energy, environment, and natural resources portfolio. Kate was the office liaison to the Senate Commerce Committee and managed the senator’s role as ranking member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and Space. During her time in the Senate, Kate oversaw the drafting and introduction of multiple pieces of legislation and evaluated their impacts on businesses and constituents. Now, as a member of the Energy, Environment & Resource Strategies (EERS) Group, Gonzales provides clients insight into Democratic priorities and fresh intelligence on where and when policy is likely to move. She is highly skilled at developing compelling messaging for moderate Democrats and Republicans, critical voting blocks in a narrowly divided Congress.

Radha Mohan Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Radha Mohan translates Washington for companies with tax, education, workforce development and corporate social responsibility policy priorities, formulating their advocacy positions and brand narratives to resonate with lawmakers. She helps clients position themselves as thought leaders on important issues and develops proactive strategies to address them. Mohan is plugged into the policymaking process and gathers political intelligence that enables companies to look around corners. While often presenting the “big picture” to her clients, Mohan has the substantive expertise to engage directly with regulatory agencies and congressional offices when she identifies risks and opportunities to their business. Her creative approach to advocacy is used to overcome roadblocks in Congress and the administration. Behind every successful advocacy effort is a tactical thinker and Mohan excels at developing long-term strategies that incorporate public relations, media, and grassroots engagement. This, combined with her understanding of the policy and political landscape, ensures clients are correctly prioritizing issues, sequencing their actions appropriately, and maximizing resources. As part of her work at Brownstein, Mohan serves as executive director of the Early Childhood Education and Care Consortium (ECEC), a non-profit alliance of the leading multi-state providers, state childcare associations, and premier educational services providers representing over 6,000 programs across the country.

Russ Sullivan Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Russ Sullivan is one of the top tax attorneys and advocates in the country. When companies face risks in Washington, D.C., they turn to Russ to develop creative solutions that save their industry. For Fortune 50 companies, start-ups, and national trade associations alike, Sullivan translates federal policy and the U.S. tax code for clients’ boards and members and identifies untapped opportunities. He provides clients with clarity when they need it most, offers critical information for developing smart business strategies, and engages the Treasury Department and tax-writing committees on Capitol Hill to advance clients’ domestic and international tax priorities. In addition to advocating on tax policy, Sullivan represents clients’ interests on health care, pension planning, trade, energy, financial services, and economic development policies. He worked firsthand on many of these issues during his 14 years of service on the Senate Finance Committee. During his time in Congress, Sullivan saw some of the most important issues within the business community come before the committee and helped draft landmark legislation such as the 2001 tax legislation, the 2005 and 2007 Energy Policy Acts, and the Affordable Care Act, Sullivan leverages these expertise’s to provide clients with contextual insight into current tax and health care policy debates.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Brian Wild Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck As the senior advisor to the Speaker of the House John Boehner, Brian Wild was responsible for coordinating policy and communications among leadership offices including directing the year-long America Speaking Out campaign that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Republican agenda for the 111th Congress known as the Pledge to America. Wild’s service in the White House includes working as deputy assistant for legislative affairs to Vice President Dick Cheney, where he acted as congressional liaison to the vice president, providing strategic counsel and insight on Congress. Prior to his work in the executive branch, Wild served as chief of staff and legislative director to Congressman Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania. He also spent five years representing the business community as a lobbyist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and as executive director of the Chamber’s Office of Advocacy and Grassroots Programs. A Colorado native, Wild began his career on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to Senator Hank Brown of Colorado, where he was responsible for staffing the senator on the Budget Committee and managed the Republican Leadership Task Force on Discretionary Spending, which was instrumental in achieving a balanced budget for the first time in over 20 years.

Source: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

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The Porter Group Natural Resource Policy in a Changing Political Climate Thursday, September 23, 2021 1:00 p.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Overview: Porter Group is a full-service, bipartisan government affairs firm that shapes highly customized solutions for their clients, bridging the gap between entities in both the public and private sector. With over 100 combined years of experience in every level of state and federal government, they have developed an unparalleled network in the world of politics, federal agencies, public policy, and business. Porter Group leverage these key relationships in tackling complex issues and finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions for their clients.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The Porter Group will bring together natural resources policy experts to discuss the current drought conditions on the Colorado river and the intersection between political and environmental climate in the context of regional growth. They will explore the likely immediate and long-term policy outlook on resources in the Vegas valley and west and the impact those policies will have on the region including the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act.

Panel Members: Congressman (Ret.) Jon Porter President and CEO Jon Porter’s entire career has been focused on one thing: serving people. While owning and growing a top producing business in Nevada, Porter also pursued his passion for public service as a city councilman. From there, he served the people of Nevada for another twenty-plus years as mayor, then as a state senator, and ultimately as a United States congressman serving the people of Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. After leaving Congress, Porter brought his passion for service back to the private sector, founding Porter Group, helping clients around the world achieve their goals. Porter has amassed an extensive network of connections, giving his clients unparalleled access to the right people in business and government.

Stephanie Walker Vice President of Government Affairs Stephanie Walker worked for Carson City’s Congressman Mark Amodei for nearly seven years where she handled a wide swath of policy specializing in appropriations, health care, natural resources and agency oversight. She has broad experience working with local governments as well as Congress and the Executive Branch. Working for Congressman Amodei on the House Appropriations Committee - she was known as one of the most persistent advocates for constituent priorities. In her tenure, Walker aided the Congressman in including countless pages of language in appropriations bills and had multiple successful floor amendments. She has experience working the entire budget process from agency justifications, hearings and conference of the final spending bill. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno - Walker studied Business Administration and worked out of Congressman Amodei’s Reno office before heading to Capitol Hill. She later completed her Master of Business Administration while working full time for the Congressman.

Source: Porter Group

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

United for Infrastructure Infrastructure Issues in the 117th Congress Thursday, September 23, 2021 1:45 p.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Mission: United for Infrastructure works to highlight the critical role infrastructure plays in all sectors of the economy and to show policymakers at all levels of government the breadth and diversity of support for long-term, sustainable infrastructure investment.

Overview: United for Infrastructure, a 501c4 non-profit, works to educate the American public and policymakers about the importance of infrastructure to the nation’s economy, workers, and communities. In partnership with the business community, labor unions, trade associations, think tanks, elected officials, and others, they have worked to lead the charge to improve America’s infrastructure.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: Americans deserve infrastructure that keeps them safe, creates jobs, eliminates barriers to equality and opportunity, and fuels a strong and vibrant economy. This roads and rails, airports, and seaports, drinking and wastewater systems, inland waterways, and broadband internet as some of essential systems that businesses and residents rely on every day. Discussion will be centered on the Biden Administration’s infrastructure priorities and work being undertaken by Congress to address are the critical issues facing every American family, worker, business, and community.

Staff Member: Patrick Sabol Co-Founder and CEO, United for Infrastructure As the Co-Founder, Patrick built a coalition led by the AFL-CIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Business Roundtable, the Brookings Institution, and others focused on rebuilding and renewing America’s infrastructure. Sabol previously worked in public policy at a clean energy nonprofit as well as a Researcher at The Brookings Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colgate University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Duke University.

Source: United for Infrastructure

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National Association of Workforce Boards What Will It Take to Train Our Workforce in a Pandemic Recovery and Beyond? Thursday, September 23, 2021 2:30 p.m. National Press Club Building Grand Ballroom Mission: National Association of Workforce Boards’ (NAWB) mission is to support its members through a comprehensive program of advocacy, training and technical assistance, communication, and the promotion of strategic partnerships for the advancement of our nation’s workforce.

Overview: NAWB represents approximately 550 Workforce Development Boards (WDB) and their 12,000+ business members that coordinate and leverage workforce strategies with education and economic development stakeholders within their local communities, to ensure that state and local workforce development and job training programs meet the needs of employers. These investments in workforce development create a comprehensive system to provide America with a highly skilled workforce that competes in the global economy. NAWB is the only association that advocates for WDB. NAWB works closely with policy makers in Washington, D.C. to inform national strategy as it relates to WDB and their partners in education, economic development, labor, and business.

Meeting Topics and Policy Agenda: The discussion will be centered on the need to educate the workforce in a COVID recovery environment, and what that means for both employers and employees. Topics will also include how workforce training is evolving and changing in the face of workforce shortages.

Staff Member: Ron Painter President, National Association of Work Boards Ron Painter assumed his role at NAWB in July of 2009. In his capacity as CEO of NAWB, Painter has traveled the country meeting with state and local workforce leaders in an effort to identify cuttingedge practices and programs and understand how best to spread innovative trends in human capital development throughout the nation-wide job training system. Painter was the founding CEO of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh. Under his leadership the organization focused on producing labor market research, working with public educators on improved student career information, supporting community leaders in the development of regional benchmarks, and establishing the Regional Workforce Collaborative with a membership of community colleges, WIBs, employers, labor, and economic development professionals. Painter is a Board Member of the Committee for Education Funding, Manufacturing Skills Standards’ Council, and is a Patron of Volition Community for the Manchester Cathedral in Manchester, England. Painter holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Public Administration and advanced graduate coursework from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs, where he served as Adjunct Faculty.

Source: National Association of Workforce Boards

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

PleasePlease join the Chamber Board of joinVegas the Vegas Chamber & The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Cocktails: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Dinner & Program: 7 - 9 p.m. $250 per person *Black-tie recommended The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004

Dinner Sponsors:

Reception Sponsors:

Federal Priorities • Federal Grant Dollars in Nevada • Homeland Security Funding • Immigration Reform • Interstate 11 and Interstate 15 • Mexico-Nevada Trade • National Labor Relations Board • PRO Act • Small Business Federal Assistance • Southern Nevada Public Lands • Southern Nevada Water Resources • Taxes • Trade Promotion Authority • Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Federal Grant Dollars in Nevada Issue Position:

• Every year the federal government sends trillions of dollars to the states through direct payments to residents, contracts for purchasing of goods and services, salaries and wages, and grants. In grants alone, the federal government transfers upward of $500 billion every year to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to fund a wide range of programs and services, such as health care, transportation, income security, education, job training, social services, community development, and environmental protection.

• For decades, Nevada has been among the lowest performing states – often 50 of 50 – in receiving federal grants, excluding Medicaid, despite having some of the highest documented need in the country.

• According to Pew Charitable Trusts’ 2015 Federal Spending in the States analysis, increasing Nevada’s ranking in per capita grant receipts from 49th to 48th would yield an estimated $258 million in new grant funding for the State. According to a 2014 report from The Lincy Institute at UNLV, Nevada is forgoing over $500 million annually in grant revenue.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are asking Nevada’s Congressional Delegation to proactively help identify, steward and advocate for grant award opportunities for the betterment of all Nevadans. The Vegas Chamber is also asking that members of the federal delegation direct organizations and policy makers who solicit them for assistance with federal grant funding to join the Vegas Chamber, LVGEA, Council for a Better Nevada, Nevada Community Foundation, and others in advocating for and supporting improvements/updates to policies and processes within Nevada that continue to inhibit federal grant awards in the state. Background

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The Nevada State Legislature has made many improvements to the why how the state handles federal grants, including investing in grants infrastructure and beginning to streamline grant processes.

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For example, the Nevada Grants Office was established in 2011 to serve as a statewide coordinating and support office. In 2015 and 2016 alone, the Office assisted with 113 grants that resulted in approximately $131 million in awarded dollars, a return of $219 in grant revenue for every dollar invested in the Office’s salaries.

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The Vegas Chamber, working alongside numerous partners, successfully advocated for several key improvements to the State’s grants system during the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021 Legislative sessions. The bills were focused on improving processes, removing staffing limits and restrictions to what type of grants the state would be able to apply for at the federal level.

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During the 2021 Legislative Session, Assembly Bill (AB) 445 was passed and signed into law by Governor Steve Sisolak. AB 445 relates to transferring the Office of Grant Procurement, Coordination and Management in the Department of Administration to the Office of the Governor and renaming it to the Office as the Office of Federal Assistance. It directs the Governor to appoint a director of the office and develop a state plan to maximize federal assistance. It also revises the duties of the office and revises the membership of the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance.

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Building on its recent momentum and successes, Nevada should further expand its grants infrastructure and reduce grants-related bureaucracy, while significantly expanding collaboration with local governments, nonprofits, and leaders in the philanthropic and business community.

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Notably, progress at the state level is making way for increased collaboration and leadership at the local level, including Southern Nevada Strong (housed at the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada), which convenes 12 of the region’s largest nonprofits to develop and begin implementing a strategic framework to improve Southern Nevada nonprofits’ grant capacity and competitiveness.

• Nevada’s exceptionally low federal grant revenue costs local taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually (in money sent to Washington, D.C. but not returned), and dramatically reduces the capacity of Nevada-based entities and organizations to provide programs and services that enrich quality of life and the economy.

• Securing more federal grants will have exceptionally important benefits, including:

• Putting Nevadans’ federal tax dollars to use in their local communities by funding improvements to health care, education, and social services, expanding job training and business opportunities; and fueling transportation improvements.

• Significantly expanding Nevada’s revenue without adding tax burden to its residents and businesses.

• Stimulating Nevada’s economy by locally spending tens of millions of dollars in federal tax dollars (returned to the state through federal grants), that will otherwise be spent in Washington, D.C. and the other 49 states.

• Securing recovery funding as it becomes available in various legislative relief packages. This is especially important for local governments who have used federal pandemic funds to provide relief grants to businesses who have received insufficient funding from Small Business Administration programs such as EIDL and PPP.

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As Nevada begins to process of economic recovery, securing federal available federal grants must be a priority for both governments and the private sector. The Vegas Chamber will continue to advocate for a fair distribution of Federal grant monies to Nevada.

Source: Obtaining and Maximizing Federal Grants in Nevada, the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance’s Report to the Governor, the Nevada State Legislature.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Homeland Security Funding Issue Position:

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Homeland Security Funding Urban Area Security Initiative • FY 2021 - $5,250,000 • FY 2020 - $5,250,000 • FY 2019 - $5,000,000 • FY 2018 - $5,000,000 • FY 2017 - $2,837,000 • FY 2016 - $2,962,000 • FY 2015 - $3,000,000 • FY 2014 - $1,000,000 • FY 2013 - $0 • FY 2012 - $1,826,923 • FY 2011 - $5,705,105 • FY 2010 - $8,150,150 • FY 2009 - $8,579,000 • FY 2008 - $9,030,500 • FY 2007 - $9,310,000 • FY 2006 - $7,750,000 • FY 2005 - $8,456,728 • FY 2004 - $10,468,892

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Nevada’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Sisolak are continuing efforts to secure additional UASI funds, along with support from groups including the Vegas Chamber, the American Gaming Association, the City of Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

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UASI funds are used to fund the Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center, which analyzes possible threats, information, and intelligence data for the region.

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In 2021, Nevada received approximately $4.6 million from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP).

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA support efforts by Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

• Department, and the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson to secure Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding for Southern Nevada on an annual basis to assist in homeland security efforts for the safety of the region’s approximately 2 million residents and 42.1 million annual visitors by revising the methodology used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA both support efforts to revise the methodology used by the DHS in developing the risk assessments associated with the UASI program. The methods used by DHS resulted in Southern Nevada receiving $5 million in UASI funds in 2021. Background

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The Homeland Security Act of 2002, DHS is required to conduct an annual assessment of the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA). This based on factors such as relative threat, vulnerability and consequence, economic index, and Gross Domestic Product. Based on the methodology, casinos and hotels are considered to be one facility and not a list of individual facilities or assets by DHS. Currently, these different facilities are viewed as one “cluster,” which does not reflect that each are independent buildings and facilities with thousands of visitors and workers in them at any given time. The reality is that these types of highdensity facilities are a target for terrorists who wish to inflict massive damage against our people and nation. The methodology is based on the assumption that if an incident was to occur at one casino/hotel that it would cease all economic impact in the region for one year. The reality is that a terrorism threat or incident could have a negative impact on Southern Nevada’s economy, while an attack would have a detrimental and long-term crippling effect on Southern Nevada.

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Las Vegas Urban Area’s Relative Risk Profile ranking remained the same from FY 2019 to FY 2020 at 17.

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Las Vegas has received UASI funding every year that it has been available except for FY 2013

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In 2018 DHS, did make several changes that the index included two new Soft Target data elements (1) visitor data and (2) a special events metric using Special Events Assessment Rating data from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Operations Coordination.

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This change does help cities such as Las Vegas because of its large volume of visitors and special events held in the city on annual basis.

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Challenges:

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The UASI funding stream is a singular funding stream within the broader Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). There are many other streams associated with the HSGP, including the recently eliminated Citizen Corps Program (CCP) and Metropolitan Medial Response System (MMRS). The loss of those two funding streams has increased Southern Nevada’s dependence on UASI funding.

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Cities such as Las Vegas that do not have an official port or have an international border receive a lower priority ranking because of the Relative Risk Profile formulas used by DHS.

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The full extent of the economic impact of COVID-19 and the shutdowns that followed has yet to be fully determined. The revenue losses at both State and Federal levels may adversely affect the availability of Federal grant dollars as well as Nevada’s ability to provide State dollars where required.

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Economic Impact:

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Southern Nevada must continue to advocate and receive UASI funding dollars because of the importance tourism has on the local and state economy.

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Terrorism threats could have a negative and severe impact on Southern Nevada’s tourism industry.

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There are many important federal assets located in Southern Nevada such as Hoover Dam, McCarran International Airport, and 15 of the largest hotels in the world. There are about 150,000 lodging rooms in Las Vegas.

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Nearly half of all revenue in Nevada’s general fund is generated by the tourism industry.

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In 2019, tourism generated an estimated impact economic impact of $67.6 billion in Southern Nevada.

•

The recovery of Las Vegas’ tourism industry in the wake of COVID-19 will depend heavily on the public perception of safety, both from a public health and traditional security perspective.

•

Securing sufficient federal grants through UASI and similar Homeland Security programs will remain vital to tourism industry in Southern Nevada.

Sources: FEMA, LVCVA, Applied Analysis

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Immigration Reform Issue Position:

•

The Las Vegas area has become a robust and ethnically diverse community. The city’s composition has become ethnically more diverse in the last 30 years.

•

In Las Vegas for example, about 33.1% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. This has grown from 23.6% in 2000 and 12.5% in 1990.

•

The Clark County School District is a minority majority school district with over 320,000 students. Approximately 46.4% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino. More than 154 languages are spoken in CCSD classrooms.

•

UNLV and Nevada State College have been national recognized for their diverse student populations. UNLV is a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) and HispanicServing Institution (HSI).

• The Vegas Chamber believes immigration reform is vital to our economy. A well-balanced immigration policy will foster economic growth, create jobs, and ensure the protection of workers.

• For immigration reform to be successful there must be federal, state, and local cooperation.

• A well-balanced immigration policy will encourage robust economic recovery, expand the current job market while creating new opportunities, and ensure protections for workers across all industries.

• The Vegas Chamber supports a comprehensive longterm immigration solution with the following elements:

• Providing reasonable funding commitments for additional security personnel and equipment along the border.

Economic Impact:

•

Immigrant workers play a critical role in Las Vegas’ economy, especially in the areas of tourism, leisure and construction sectors. Tourism based cities like Las Vegas tend to have a higher Hispanic/Latino population.

providing a clear, cohesive, and fair process for those that wish to enter the country legally.

•

Immigrant entrepreneurship has always been a strong drive of small business creation in our community.

• Creation of an efficient, accurate and manageable

•

Research has shown that in The U.S., immigrants are almost twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as native-born citizens.

•

Business ownership is growing among immigrant workers. Small businesses are essential to economic growth and recovery while helping to build community cohesion.

•

Not having startup visa to welcome immigrant entrepreneurs can be a deterrent for immigrant workers.

•

In Nevada, immigrant workers have opened successful businesses such as restaurants, hospitality companies, service-based businesses, and construction operations.

•

It does not matter what sector you are in, there is a shortage of workers in every industry, every skill level, and every size of business.

•

The benefits of immigration versus the cost of inaction have a rippling effect on Nevada’s economy.

•

Lack of reform impacts domestic production and services.

•

The current labor force is shrinking, new working age immigrants will help fill workforce shortfalls.

•

It is estimated that immigration reform will foster economic productivity within the next decade.

•

Highly talented immigrants will support entrepreneurship and innovation by attracting investment for new products and services through visa programs.

• Consistent enforcement of federal immigration laws. The enforcement of these laws should be applied uniformly and fairly.

• Modernize and reform the immigration system by

employment eligibility verification system.

• Establishment of a Temporary Guest Worker Program, which includes the screening of foreign workers.

• While there have been conversations at the federal level over the years and attempted efforts by Congress, there had not been significant federal legislative movement in recent years. Congress must move forward with a comprehensive legislative plan.

• Executive Orders do no provide true stability or predictability for immigrant workers, as they may be changed at any time.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber is asking members of Congress to support efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation as it directly impacts the economy and workforce needs of employers. Background

•

As Las Vegas continues to recover and diversify its economy, it will be important for employers to attract skilled workers. The focus should be filling skills gaps in sectors like engineering and health care, along knowledge sharing which will be important to supporting the upskilling of co-workers.

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Interstate 11 and Interstate 15 Issue Position:

• Nevada’s business community has a legacy of supporting the construction and long-term funding of a multimodal and intermodal federal transportation system that promotes regional connectivity, increases productivity, and reduces congestion.

• A strong and reliable federal transportation system means economic stability, job creation and business growth for Southern Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA both support efforts to secure federal funding for the construction of local and regional projects such as Interstate 11 (I-11) and the widening of Interstate 15 (I-15). The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

• The widening of I-15 along critical points will not only increase the easy flow of tourist traffic to and from Las Vegas, but will continue to provide a critical artery to logistics facilities throughout Clark County.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA support the use of a variety of funding and financing options for I-11, such as reinvesting transportation taxes, grants, financing, and user fees. As a priority for the region, the Vegas Chamber supports efforts to secure funding for the initial construction to occur between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

• In addition to the initial funding of I-11 construction between Las Vegas and Phoenix, Nevada’s Congressional delegation has been supportive of legislation that would extend the future Interstate 11 (I-11) through Nevada to Interstate 80 (I-80) and south toward Arizona’s southern border.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are requesting funding for I-11 be accelerated because of the economic needs of the region. A priority for the Vegas Chamber is to fund the construction of the initial segment of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix. The funding of this first segment is vital to the overall success of the project by connecting these two cities. The Vegas Chamber also supports the designation and funding for the Northern Nevada Corridor, which is part of the overall I-11 project to connect the region by an integrated highway system.

Background Information and Status of the Project:

•

The original designation of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix was approved by the 113th Congress and signed by President Obama on July 6, 2012. I-11 is part of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP21).

•

This new north-south transcontinental corridor through the region will connect communities, enhance economic diversification efforts, increase capacity, improve safety, and travel time and strengthen commercial capabilities. The corridor as proposed will include an upgraded highway facility but could be expanded to include other modes of transportation, such as rail.

•

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completed a two-year joint planning study (Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study) in November 2014, which examined justification for the project, corridor planning, high level strategic visioning and multimodal options. The study discusses the globalization of the Intermountain West, linking economies, generating prosperity and next steps. The

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Vegas Chamber was a stakeholder in the study process along with other interested groups from Arizona and Nevada.

•

Southern Nevada is committed to the construction of Nevada’s portion of I-11. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is working on the initial phase of I-11 in Nevada in collaboration with NDOT.

•

Lawmakers, Vegas Chamber leadership and transportation officials from Nevada, Arizona and the federal government gathered in 2015 for the groundbreaking for the first section of Interstate 11. A similarly composed group met again in August of 2018 to announce the completion and opening of the 15 miles stretch, the first addition to the U.S interstate highway system since 1992.

•

NDOT has constructed a portion of I-11 from Railroad Pass to US-95, approximately 2.5 miles (Phase 1), while the RTC worked to complete I-11 from US-95 to US-93 near the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, approximately 12.5 miles (Phase 2). The agreed upon alignment was adopted with the U.S. 93 Corridor Study, which included the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.

•

Arizona agencies are continuing work on a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Study to identify a Selected Corridor Alternative between Nogales and Wickenburg, Arizona. ADOT is also investing $500 million to upgrade US-93 to a 4-lane divided highway.

•

In December 2015, the House and Senate passed a five-year, $305 billion transportation funding bill. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act includes approximately $205 billion for highways and $48 billion on transit projects. The Fast Act also included designation of I-11 through Northern Nevada.

•

The passage of long-term funding bills such as the FAST Act provides long-term funding for state and local governments to improve roads, bridges, and other transportation projects

•

In August 2017, ADOT and NDOT held a joint I-11 Summit in Las Vegas to provide stakeholders an update on the project including an overview of the bi-state study,

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federal legislative update, traffic studies, expected timelines and next steps.

•

Members of Nevada’s Congressional delegation have continued with Arizona’s U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally to move these legislative efforts forward in the Senate.

•

In July of 2020, NDOT opened a 30-day comment period on the environmental impact statement offered on the various alternative routes for I-11.

•

The I-11 Las Vegas Metropolitan Area PEL Study began in early 2021, utilizing information and analysis already underway from the Tier 1 EIS process.

•

An Alternatives Development Report completed in May 2021 determined that western and central corridor alternatives for I-11 will need further study as part of the planning and construction process. As part of the

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

analysis study process, an eastern corridor alternative will no longer be considered for further analysis in the PEL study.

•

A series of informational meetings are being hosted now through September 30, 2021l to better understand public concerns and potential issues with the corridor alternatives. Additional townhall meetings will be in spring 2022 with a single corridor alternative for future design and construction of I-11 projects selected by May 2022. With proposed alternative routes for I-11 in Southern Nevada being discussed, it is important to elevate all options that are being proposed and select the option that is best for the community. In looking at these options, any potential route must address the consideration of the increasing congestion and capacity levels that exist along the 215 Beltway and U.S. 95. The increasing congestion along these existing routes is a growing concern to businesses in terms of traffic management, mobility, and safety. The infrastructure bills passed by both the House and the Senate (H.R. 3684, the INVEST In America Act and the Senate amendment to H.R. 3684 includes historic levels of funding for state and local transportation authorities through the reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs. In the House INVEST Act, Congresswoman Dina Titus, who sits as a subcommittee Chair on the House Committee on Transportation, included crucial language benefitting I-11 and I-15.

Economic Impacts:

•

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that $170 billion in capital investments are needed to address the road infrastructure needs of the nation.

•

I-11 could lead to dramatic, positive changes for Nevada, including new job creation and a significant means for diversifying and strengthening the local economy. It is expected that I-11 will create more than 240,000 jobs, an economic impact between $4-24 billion, and travel benefits of $26-39 billion.

•

I-11 could help expand freight trucking, trade, and manufacturing and distribution centers in Nevada. The state has manufacturing strengths in areas such as gaming, metals, agriculture, and plastics. The geographical location of Las Vegas is ideal in establishing and/or expanding ground and air transportation distribution centers.

•

I-11 would connect communities, enhance economic diversification efforts, increase capacity, improve safety, and travel time and strengthen commercial capabilities throughout the region. It would provide greater connectivity in Arizona through areas such as Maricopa County, Wickenburg, Phoenix and Tucson, as well as to the United States/Mexico Border.

•

In addition to the initial segment from Las Vegas to Phoenix, the Vegas Chamber also supports the expansion of the Northern Nevada Corridor that would link Las Vegas and Reno and stretch I-11 to the United States/Canadian border. While the project is still in the early phases, regional and federal partners must work together to address issues and concerns that other vested groups may have to move forward to make I-11 a reality.

•

Also, this project is important to international trade. I-11 would be a very important segment to the CANAMEX Corridor, as this project has the potential to connect the world’s fastest emerging economies in Latin America and Asia.

•

Southern Nevada is part of the Southwest Triangle Region, which includes Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Las Vegas is $96 billion, Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale is $202 billion and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana is $796 billion. This region is expected to be the strongest and most robust region in the United States.

The INVEST Act specifies the following:

• Inclusion of the I-11 project connecting Phoenix to Las Vegas in the Projects of National and Regional Significance Program.

• Improvement of the financing program which benefits rail projects between Las Vegas and Los Angeles like Brightline which would help reduce traffic along the I-15 corridor.

• Provisions which prioritize funding for highways which help passengers reach destination locations like Las Vegas which would include both I-11 and I-15.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

•

I-11 would also support economic growth with land ports of entry as such Otay Mesa, California; Nogales, Arizona; El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Hidalgo, Texas and provide additional needed corridors for water ports in both the Western United States and Mexico including Port of Guaymas, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Port of Oakland, Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle, and the Port of Vancouver.

•

I-11 would improve travel safety and time management by providing relief for congestion along the already at capacity I-5 corridor and the 1-15 corridor.

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•

I-11 would provide an opportunity to leverage existing resources to stimulate job growth and expansion, not only in the crucial area of tourism and travel, but also in the development of other industry sectors such as health care and technology. Priority targeted industries of both Nevada and Arizona include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, health care, information and computer technology, mining and materials, renewable energy, tourism, and transportation.

Sources: Arizona Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, the Porter Group, U.S. Senate

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Mexico and Nevada Trade Partnership Issue Position:

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are supportive of efforts to improve trade opportunities between Mexico and the United States, especially Nevada.

• Nevada annually exports billions of dollars in computers, electronic equipment, semiconductors, and raw ores to Mexico.

• Nevada hosts significant investments from major

Economic Impacts:

• Exports from Nevada to Mexico in 2020 totaled $1.6 billion, more than double the $772 million of 2019.

• In 2020 Mexico also surpassed Canada, taking the place as the 2nd largest destination for Nevada exports. This is an increase from 4th largest in 2019.

Source: International Trade Administration

Mexican companies including Bimbo, Cemex, Sigma and Grupo Salinas.

• Trade between Nevada and Mexico currently supports more than 46,000 jobs throughout the state.

• United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) provisions will allow for easier trade of remanufactured and refurbished industrial and computer equipment, opening new opportunities for both jobs and cost savings to businesses.

Requested Action: It is a federal priority of the Vegas Chamber and LVGEA to continue support for the implementation and utilization of the USMCA and other agreements that promote increased trade for Nevada businesses. This includes the allocation of funds to the expansion of the physical infrastructure supporting trade, including the I-11 corridor. Background Information:

• In 2020, then President Trump signed the USMCA, which created a free-trade framework between the United States, Mexico, and Canada by addressing trade issues that have emerged since the adoption of NAFTA such as e-commerce, digital trade and intellectual property.

• Nevada has a long history of seeking closer ties with Mexico for trade, education, and research partnerships.

• In 2020, these efforts began to pay off with a dramatic increase in exports from Nevada to Mexico.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

National Labor Relations Board Issue Position:

• The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was created in 1935 to be a neutral arbiter in the field of labor law. However, over the course of the last several presidential administrations it has been observed that the focus of NLRB has changed. It is viewed that the NLRB has changed from being a neutral arbiter to one that is politically focused.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber will continue to push for the decisions and policies that will allow businesses to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 Pandemic. It is imperative that policies from the NLRB are balanced and fair for both employers and organized labor. The Vegas Chamber will continue advocate for the Biden Administration appointment members to the board who understand the complexities of business ownership and allow job creators to rebuild the economy. Background Information:

• Wilcox, a union attorney, was approved with a vote of 52-47, and she immediately join the Board, filling a vacant seat and bringing the Board to a 3-2 Republican majority. Prouty, who is the general counsel for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, was approved by a vote of 53-46. He joined the Board at the end of August when Republican member William Emanuel’s term expired. Once Prouty takes his seat, the Board will have a 3-2 Democratic majority.

• In July 2021, Jennifer Abruzzo was appointed as the general Counsel to the NLRB. The General Counsel serves as the NLRB’s prosecutor. In August 2021, Abruzzo issued a 10-page guidance memo that outlines her priorities by highlighting what types of cases must be presented to the Office of General Counsel’s (OGC) Division of Advice.

• There is growing concern that the NLRB will be very aggressive in undoing reforms that were adopted over the last several years in favor of policies that are viewed more towards organized labor.

Sources: American Association Bar, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• Under the Trump Administration, the Republican majority on the board reserved some broad changes that were implemented during the Obama Administration that were onerous and burdensome to employers, while primarily benefiting organized labor. Several of priorities by the Trump Administration appointees included with limiting time to challenge unfair labor practices conduct, changing the regional office structure of the board, along with the cases and decisions the Board has made also varying from the past administration.

• The definition of an employee was recently redefined as decided in Razak vs. Uber Technologies Inc. During this case Uber drivers sued to demand wages and overtime as written in the Fair Labor Standards Act. During the case it was defined that drivers under the agreement are not employees of Uber but are independent contractors.

• However, the Biden Administration as expected is already changing the focus on NLRB.

• The United States Senate confirmed President Biden’s two nominees to the NLRB who were Gwynne Wilcox and David Prouty. Their confirmation ultimately restores a 3-2 Democratic majority to the NLRB after approximately four years of Republican control.

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Protecting the Right to Organize Act Issue Position:

• Organized labor has proposed a conglomeration of their top priorities proposals from the past 30 years with the introduction of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 2474/S. 1306).

• This piece of legislation weakens employees’ rights by requiring workers to pay union dues regardless of their wishes, will likely lead to an increase in labor disputes between employers and employees, and disrupts the American Economy. For these reasons the Vegas Chamber is in opposition of the PRO Act.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber has a long history of supporting balanced, fair, and practical labor policies. It opposes legislation that will negatively impact Nevada’s employers and employees such as the PRO-Act. The priority is to ensure that there is predictability, stability, fairness, and transparency in the workplace. The Vegas Chamber will continue to work with the Nevada Delegation and other congressional members to demonstrates the PRO Act will reduce workers’ rights regarding choosing whether or not to join unions and pay dues, as well as the many negative impacts on Nevada’s job creators.

• Along with the many concerning components for employees, the harm to job creators cannot be expressed enough. It is believed that the employers will be placed a significant disadvantage as the union contracts will carry more weight during negotiations if the provisions of the PRO Act are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

• During the last session of Congress, the PRO Act passed through the House and was left on the desk in the Senate and was not processed.

• Now during the 117th Congress, there is significant concern that the Senate will pass the Act with the Vice President breaking any tied vote in favor of the bill.

• Labor and progressive special interest groups have advocated significantly for the Biden Administration to adopt this legislation during the 117th Conrgess.

• It is now more important than ever for Nevada’s congressional representatives to hear the voice of employers and employees in a united front against the PRO Act.

Source: U.S Chamber of Commerce

Background Information:

• This legislation removes workers’ rights in a several of ways, from forcing employees to pay union dues regardless of affiliation or participation, threatening the private ballot system, and imposes California’s decision when determining status of independent contractors.

• The PRO Act is being presented to Americans as a positive change in favor of workers, however, when looking at the many changes to our labor laws it will only benefit the union leadership while taking away from the local chapters and their members.

• This piece of legislation would essentially repeal Nevada’s right-to-work laws. Nevada has been a rightto-work state since enacted in 1953.

• There is also concern about the information that employers would be required to provide to unions about employees and the violation of an employee’s privacy.

• Labor groups have begun to push this legislation increasingly as organized labor has been seeing declining membership levels for the past 65 years. As of 2018 just a year before the first introduction of the PRO Act, Organized labor sat at 10.5 percent of all workers with just 6.4 percent membership rate in the private sector.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

February 6, 2020 The Honorable Susie Lee 522 Cannon House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Re: Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 2474/S. 1306) Dear Congresswoman Lee: As Nevada’s largest and broadest-based business organization, the Vegas Chamber is committed to supporting policy issues that foster economic development and job creation in Southern Nevada on behalf of its members and their approximately 230,000 employees. The Vegas Chamber has a long history of supporting balanced, fair, and practical labor policies, and has engaged and opposed legislation that will hurt Nevada’s employers and employees. Our priority is to ensure that there is predictability, stability, fairness and transparency in the workplace. For those reasons, the Vegas Chamber is opposed to the PRO ACT as it will adversely impact both the rights of employers and employees. The Vegas Chamber believes that the PRO Act will have several harmful unintended consequences such as reducing worker rights, entangle employers in costly labor disputes, hamper the nation’s economy, and mandate that a worker be required to pay union dues. We believe that the PRO Act will reduce a worker’s personal freedom of choice on how they spend their wages since the legislation will require a certain amount of their paycheck to be taken from them to pay union dues. This legislation strips away personal choice by forcing employees to financially contribute to a labor union, whether they want to or not. It should be the employee’s choice if they wish to join a union, personal freedom is a tenant that defines us as Nevadans and as Americans. This piece of legislation would basically repeal our state’s right-to-work laws. Nevada has been a right-to-work state since enacted in 1953. We are also concerned about the information that employers would be required to provide to unions about employees and the violation of an employee’s privacy. The Vegas Chamber is also alarmed about the adoption of a new definition of an independent contractor. This legislation would follow the definition used by California, which has proven to be problematic as it has caused confusion and job loss in that state. These are just a few of the reasons that the Vegas Chamber is opposed this legislation and we would respectfully ask you to not support this troublesome piece of legislation that would harm Nevada’s employers and employees. Thank you for allowing the Vegas Chamber to share with you our deep concerns regarding the PRO Act. If we can be of any assistance or provide you with any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 702.586.3869.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO

Hugh Anderson Chairman, Government Affairs Committee

575 Symphony Park Ave., Ste. 100 Las Vegas, NV 89106 702.641.5822 • VegasChamber.com

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LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Small Businesses Federal Assistance Issue Position:

• Federal assistance during the pandemic included the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. As a state relying heavily on tourism and gaming, Nevada suffered heavy revenue decreases and unemployment rates when compared to other states. The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA made it a priority to educate members and the business community to what assistance was available from federal, state, and local government entities.

• Small businesses that are facing loan repayment must receive appropriate time and lowered interest rates as they used the funds to keep their doors open, and now face additional payments.

• Minority owned businesses suffered greater losses and received less aid which must be studied by the SBA to determine how much minority businesses missed out on.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in Nevada

Requested Action: *As of July 9, 2021

Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA supports further assistance to employers as many continue to pivot and try to re-open their businesses and rehire workers because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are also in support of expediting forgiveness to PPP loans as well as providing forgiveness for Economic Injury Disaster Loans under $100,000. Background Information:

Number of Loans Approved

123,332

Sum of Initial Approval Amount

$6,946,694,806

Sum of Current Approval Amount

$6,922,768,333

Sum of Undisbursed Amount

$150,762,896

Number of Loans Forgiven

31,194

Sum of Forgiven Amount

$2,952,480,024

Source: Reno Gazette Journal, Small Business Administration, Yelp, Washington Post, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Small Business Majority

• During the first draw of PPP funds, many small businesses in the Las Vegas Metro were ineligible due to having gambling machines on property from small casinos, taverns, markets, and gas stations due to an interpretation by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This exclusion was not the intention of Congress when drafting the bill.

• The Vegas Chamber and other trade associations actively advocated Congressional Members to correct this drafting oversight. This was fixed during the second draw of PPP.

• Nevada was one of the top states in receiving Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, averaging $12,200 per business. This loan amount was nearly double the national average.

• According to Yelp’s economic impact report from September 2020, 60 percent of businesses that shut their doors are now closed permanently nationwide. Las Vegas was at the top of this list as the hardest hit by business closures.

• Small businesses need loan forgiveness from small EIDL loans under $100,000 as these were to small businesses that are still not seeing a recovery and facing repayment.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

Southern Nevada Public Lands Issue Position:

Southern Nevada Land Management

• Nevada’s public lands are a great benefit to the state and contribute to the quality of life of our residents who hunt, fish, hike, bike and recreate. More than 80 percent of Nevada’s land base is owned and managed by the federal government, which provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation, but can also create distinct problems for some economic development in Nevada’s urban areas. Because of this unique situation, Nevada has had a long history of working on and passing collaborative public lands bills that both allow for economic development of areas of the state that make sense and protect areas that are important for hunting, hiking, camping and wildlife habitats.

Hole-in-the-Rock Wilderness (west)

Pintwater/East Desert/ Spotted Range Wilderness

Hole-in-the-Rock Wilderness (east)

Desert Bighorn Wilderness

Sheep Range Wilderness

Mesquite

Moapa

Desert Range Wilderness

Las Vegas Range Wilderness

Mesa Milkvetch SMA

Indian Springs Desert Springs Correctional

Mt. Stirling Wilderness

Desert View NCA Expansion

California Wash SMA

Logandale Overton Trails OHV

Wilderness

Muddy Mountains Wilderness Additions

Gass Peak Wilderness

Red Rock Canyon NCA

Muddy Mts. SMA South Million Hills Wilderness

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Gale Hills SMA

Development and Conservation Act provides for increased affordable housing development to meet the needs of Southern Nevada’s growing population while also designating over 2 million acres of land for conservation and recreation.

Bitter Springs SMA

Hiller Mountains Wilderness

Twin Springs Wilderness

Scanlon Wash Wilderness

Stump Springs SMA

Hell's Kitchen Wilderness

Bird Spring Valley NCA Expansion

Bird Spring Valley SMA

Jean Lake SMA

Sandy Valley OHV

including the Nevada delegation. To date, this is the largest conservation bill in Nevada history.

Sloan Canyon NCA

Good Springs

Sandy Valley

South McCullough Wilderness Additions

Primm

Red Rock Canyon NCA Boundary Adjustment (to be removed)

Potential NCA Expansion

Nelson Hills OHV

Desert Tortoise Protective Corridor SMA

Potential SMA Expanded Las Vegas Valley Disposal Boundary Wilderness Proposals

Ireteba Peaks Wilderness Addition

Proposed OHV Recreation Area

Moapa Res. Lucy Gray Wilderness

NV County Boundary Current Las Vegas Valley Disposal Boundary

Searchlight

New York Mountains Wilderness

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are asking members of Congress to support efforts by U.S. Senator Cortez Masto, NV to pass the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act. The expansion of lands available for disposal under this legislation is necessary to help meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of Southern Nevada by allowing the development of additional affordable housing, natural resource management and conservation of public lands.

Nellis Wash Wilderness Addition

• Previous successful pieces of legislation that exemplify this collaborative approach include the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA) that was passed with bipartisan support in 1998. The legislation allows for public lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management throughout the Las Vegas Valley to be sold for development with the money raised being used largely for conservation and public parks throughout Clark County and the rest of the State of Nevada.

• Clark County initially began seeking updated lands bills in the 114th Congress to expand the boundaries for

Desert NWR Existing BLM-Designated Disposal Area (to be placed under SNPLMA authority)

Piute Mts. Wilderness

Bridge Canyon Wilderness Addition

West Valley Disposal (Red Rock NCA Addition)

Background Information:

Moapa Expansion

Eldorado Wilderness Addition

Jean

• The legislation has bipartisan support,

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Moapa Valley

Glendale

• The Southern Nevada Economic

2/22/2021

Spirit Mt. Wilderness Addition

Major Travel Routes Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Laughlin OHV

FS Wilderness NPS Wilderness

Laughlin

BLM Wilderness

National Conservation Area

40 Miles

Adjacent CA Wilderness Areas Lake Mead National Recreation Area

more development and to create new wilderness and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) for conservation purposes. These remain current priorities for Clark County.

• In June 2018, the Clark County Commission issued a resolution expressing their support for legislation expanding both lands eligible for sale and development to meet housing needs of the Las Vegas Valley, and lands designated as wilderness.

• The Vegas Chamber has remained engaged with offices of the Nevada Congressional delegation to ensure that federal lands are available for use to Southern Nevadans for building, recreation, and other important purposes.

• U.S. Senator Cortez-Masto’s current Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act addresses both growth and conservation with several key provisions.

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

• The Act allows Clark County to develop a net 30,633 acres for affordable housing and business growth over the next 50 years.

• The Act designates 2 million acres to be set aside for habitat conservation, public recreation, and cultural preservation.

• Specifically, it includes a 51,000-acre expansion of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, full wilderness designations to over 1.3 million acres of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and 337,406 additional acres of wilderness in Clark County.

• The Act also allow for greater tribal self-governance and helps foster traditional and cultural uses of regional tribal land through the inclusion of 41,255 acres held in trust for the Moapa Band of Paiutes.

• The Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act received its first hearing in June of 2021, where it received supporting testimony from local governments and federal land managers.

Sources: The Office of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, The Porter Group

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Southern Nevada Water Resources Issue Position:

• The availability and sustainability of water resources are essential to Clark County residents. The ongoing drought within the Colorado River Basin and the impact to Lake Mead are of great concern to the region’s economic stability.

• The business community relies on adequate and stable supplies of water for operations and development to support a vital economy.

• Impending water shortages underscores the critical need for more water conservation among all water users, including businesses, industries, and residents.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA supports conservation initiatives, maintaining water delivery systems and sources, and planning anticipated future water needs of the Las Vegas Valley to mitigate drought impacts.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA both support federal assistance for large scale water recycling projects, drought contingency planning, and collaboration with other basin states to address declining water levels in Lake Mead.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are requesting that federal leadership prioritize water conservation and drought mitigation initiatives and make federal funding available for projects that mitigate the impacts of drought or conserve water in the Colorado River Basin. Background Information:

• The Colorado River Basin spans approximately 246,000 square miles, through the seven “Basin States” of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as into the country of Mexico.

• The Colorado River Basin is the world’s fifth largest economy and generates $1.4 trillion in economic benefits annually. The river serves some of the country’s largest population centers: Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, and Las Vegas.

• Nearly 5.5 million acres of irrigated land, 40 million municipals users and a quarter million jobs rely on water from the Colorado River.

• Since 2000, the Colorado River region has been experiencing a historic, prolonged drought that has impacted storage basins, inflows, and other environmental resources.

• Lake Mead, the reservoir where Nevada accesses its Colorado River allocation, has been reduced to 35 percent of capacity because of drought conditions and reduced inflows. Water levels have fallen more than 140 feet since the onset of the drought.

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• The water level at Lake Mead fell to 1,068 ft. in July 2021. This is the lowest level since the lake was first filled following the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s.

• More than 99 percent of the West is experiencing drought in some form, with more than 85 percent experiencing “severe” to “exceptional” levels including Nevada.

• The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s latest projections, from July, show Lake Mead’s water level falling another 31 ft., to 1,037 ft., by June 2023.

• It expected that the U.S. Secretary of Interior will declare a shortage for Lake Mead in accordance with federally approved agreements. As a result of a shortage declaration, Lower Basin States cannot take their full water allocation to help support Lake Mead water levels.

• Nevada’s 2022 allocation of water from the Colorado River will be reduced by 21,000 acre-feet. Per agreements, Nevada is entitled to 300,000 acre-feet of water annually. Arizona and Mexico will also be required to take less water from the river next year under several river agreements.

• Another issue that correlates with the dropping water levels along the Colorado River and Lake Mead is the impact it would have hydroelectric power for an estimated 1.3 million people across California, Nevada and Arizona.

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Southern Nevada’s Drought Response:

• Beginning in the early 1990s and continuing today, SNWA has entered into various local and interstate agreements to bank water supplies. Today, Southern Nevada has more than 2 million acre-feet of water banked for future use, which represents approximately eight years of supplies for Southern Nevada.

• SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes Program has yielded remarkable water savings for Southern Nevada by removing 199 million square feet of grass and conserving over 150 billion gallons of water since the program began in 1999.

• In 2015, the SNWA began operations of a new water intake in Lake Mead. The new intake draws water from the deepest and coldest part of Lake Mead and offers better water quality, thereby decreasing treatment costs.

• The SNWA, Colorado River Basin States and the federal government developed a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) which was signed by President Trump on April 16, 2019. The DCP allows for voluntary, proactive conservation measures to take effect and bolster water levels in Lake Mead.

• In 2020, the SNWA completed its Low Lake Level Pumping Station near Lake Mead which ensures that Nevada can access its Colorado River allocation even if Lake Mead’s water levels fall below 1,000 feet.

• In Southern Nevada, 99 percent all indoor water use that reaches the sanitary sewer is captured, treated, and reused.

• Conservation remains an important effort to mitigate local drought impacts. The SNWA is prioritizing conservation initiatives, with a focus on reducing consumptive uses and targeting water waste.

• During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Vegas Chamber joined with SNWA to pass legislation prohibiting the irrigation of non-functional grass beginning in 2027. Southern Nevada will save approximately 9.5 billion gallons, the equivalent of 10 percent of its by replacing this unused grass with water efficient landscaping.

• The SNWA is exploring participation in a major reuse project with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. If implemented, the SNWA anticipates that 20,000 - 40,000 acre-feet per year will be available to the SNWA in exchange for funding participation.

Sources: Southern Nevada Water Authority, U.S. Drought Monitor

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Reconciliation and Proposed Business Tax Increases Issue Position:

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of measures that provide reliefs to employers and aid in the postpandemic economic recovery.

• The Vegas Chamber has concerns about the current rate of inflation, especially on staple goods. Inflation hurts employers of all sizes, slows economic recovery, and adversely affects all Americans, while having an especially regressive effect on those facing financial hardship.

• The Vegas Chamber along with other organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are opposed to measures that will hinder economic recovery of America’s employers, including the increase of business and corporate taxes.

• Tax increases coupled with unprecedented expansion of the federal budget will likely result in slower economic recovery, while simultaneously leading to more severe inflation.

• The Vegas Chamber has historically supported revenue discussions at the state and federal levels but believes that they must be undertaken in a bipartisan manner that is predictable, simple, and broad, while be responsibly implemented by government. The Vegas Chamber does not support the use of the reconciliation process to circumvent the need for bipartisan buy-in to the proposed spending package.

• While Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to move a $1 Trillion physical infrastructure funding bill, the proposed $2-6 Trillion “American Families Plan” has stalled along partisan lines.

• The American Families Plan proposes spending across several categories, with broad corresponding new taxes and tax increases to raise the necessary revenue.

• Among tax increases are the repeal of several key provisions of the 2017 tax bill that would effectively increase corporate taxes to 28 percent, while imposing a minimum 15% tax for on the book income of large corporations.

• Senate Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has called for $6 Trillion in new spending, while Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has expressed hesitation at the cost.

• While traditionally, this sort of legislation would require 60 votes to pass the Senate, Democratic leadership has openly expressed a willingness to use a process called “reconciliation” which would allow a simple majority to suffice. This is critical, as the entire package could be approved with the support of Sen. Manchin, who is a potential hold-out vote.

Source: Tax Foundation, The Porter Group, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber requests that members of Nevada’s Congressional Delegation do not support legislation that will raise taxes on employers at the present time and allow time for employers to focus on rebuilding their businesses and hiring Nevadans back to work. The focus must be economic recovery for the benefit of all Nevadans. The Vegas Chamber is advocating that federal policy makers continue to work on recovery legislation in a bipartisan fashion, avoiding the use of the reconciliation process on tax bills. Background Information:

• Congress has recently been considering several spending and budget bills, some of which have focused on post-pandemic economic recovery.

• Inflation has increased over the past year, affecting supply chains, raw materials and consumer goods. Concern has been expressed by economists and other experts as to the effects of federal relief spending and other policies on the rapidly increasing rates of inflation.

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Trade Promotion Authority Issue Position:

• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is a time-limited authority that Congress uses to establish trade negotiating objectives, notification, and consultation requirements to consider implementing legislation for certain reciprocal trade agreements.

• TPA provisions allow the President room to negotiate trade agreements within preset parameters set by Congress, in accordance with constitutional requirements that trade agreements receive Congressional review and approval.

• Presidential authority to negotiate trade agreements is balanced by requirements that any provisions must be brought before Congress to receive a simple up or down vote. Agreements subject to the TPA cannot be kept from vote by leadership of either party, cannot be amended and cannot be filibustered.

• TPA provides flexibility to the executive branch during ongoing trade negotiations as it reduces the possibility of partisan interference.

• TPA is sometimes referred to as “Fast Track” legislation as it allows provisions for continuing bilateral trade negotiations and agreements on a timeline that can

be significantly expedited as it cannot be delayed by leadership or filibustered.

• TPA expired on July 1, 2021 and may be considered for renewal by the 117th Congress.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA requests that the Nevada delegation, along with other members of Congress, renew the TPA. The TPA is a vital tool for negotiation of new free trade agreements with modifications and amendments to existing agreements such as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Vegas Chamber maintains that support for expanded trade agreements will open new foreign markets to Nevada exports and allow for further investment in the state by foreign companies. Background Information:

• Since its inception in 1979, TPA has been used to secure more than 14 free trade agreements (FTAs) including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and several multilateral World Trade Organization trade liberalization agreements.

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• The TPA Was most recently renewed in 2015 during the Obama Administration. Congress has renewed the TPA four times since its inception in 1979 and has offered extensions to complete ongoing trade negotiations in the past. The Chamber has supported previously renewals of the TPA.

• TPA was recently used in 2018 to approve and implement the United States, Mexico Canada (USMCA) free trade agreement, and to open negotiations for agreements with Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

• While temporary extensions of the TPA can and have been granted by Congress in the past, this has been limited to use during the completion of ongoing negotiations.

• Trade negotiations with both the European Union and the United Kingdom post-Brexit have not been finalized and will likely require either a temporary extension or a full reauthorization to allow the Biden Administration to continue.

Economic Impacts:

• The expansion of foreign trade agreements is vital to the improving and growing the economy. Trade agreements are extremely important to states as they continue to diversify their economies, spur job creation and stimulate economic growth.

• Trade Agreements are important to American businesses because they streamline bureaucratic processes with foreign markets and establish guidelines and rules to address unfair trade practices that may exist. It levels the playing field for businesses.

• The expansion of trade agreements also benefits domestic consumers in the United States because they lower prices on goods and increase efficiencies in manufacturing and production of these goods.

• Some of the United States largest trading partners are Canada and Mexico. Canada is the United States’ the largest export market. Canada is the largest supplier of natural gas and oil to the United States. Mexico is the United States’ second-largest export market.

Source: Congressional Research Service, U.S Chamber of Commerce

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Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository Issue Position:

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA both continue to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in Nevada because of the potential negative effect it could have on the safety and health of the residents and visitors of Southern Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA believes that storing nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository site could pose a national security threat and hurt the tourism-based economy of Southern Nevada, which supports approximately 407,000 jobs and has an estimated annual economic activity impact of $59.6 billion.

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are also opposed to the temporary storage of any nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, which includes reprocessed fuel.

• As proposed, public roads and railroads would be used to transport nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository, as nuclear waste because of its weight can only be transported by rail or truck. Project plans indicate that as many as three trains and two trucks a week would pass through Clark County as they transport nuclear waste for storage at Yucca Mountain.

Requested Action: The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA both support continued efforts by Nevada’s Governor and Congressional delegation to ensure that no nuclear waste is stored at Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are opposed to any transport of nuclear waste in Nevada, regardless of the radioactive level of the nuclear waste because of security, safety, and health concerns. Background Information and Status of Yucca Mountain

• The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 designates Yucca Mountain as the nation’s only waste disposal site. It has not been updated since 1987.

• The Obama Administration had effectively terminated the funding for the development of Yucca Mountain by amending the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, which was passed in 2011.

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had followed President Obama’s plan to close Yucca Mountain by discontinuing its review of the application to begin construction at Yucca Mountain.

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Yucca Mountain project office has been closed since the defunding of the project.

• In August 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rendered a 2-1 decision requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to

restart the licensing application for Yucca Mountain. The lawsuit was originally brought forth in part by the States of South Carolina and Washington and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

• The Court ruled that the NRC must either approve or deny the application that had been submitted by the DOE for the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.

• As a result of the Court’s ruling, the first phase of the application by the NRC is underway, which includes developing a Safety Evaluation Report.

• To comply with the court order, the NRC is using limited carry over funds to review the DOE’s Yucca Mountain license application. It is likely that those funds will be used just to complete Phase I and no new dollars are expected to be allocated by the federal government.

• At the time, U.S. Senator Reid had stated that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had no impact on the status of Yucca Mountain and that the facility would remain closed, as he would not support any additional funding for the NRC to continue the licensing application for Yucca Mountain and no additional were made available by the 114th Congress.

• On September 15, 2015, the NRC held a public meeting in Las Vegas and presented the Draft Supplement to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada and took public comment. The Chamber along with other interested stakeholders, business group and local governments attended that public meeting.

• In May 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff issued its final “Supplement to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada,” NUREG-2184.

• This supplement evaluates the potential environmental impacts on groundwater, and impacts associated with the discharge of potentially contaminated groundwater to the ground surface due to potential releases from a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. A decision on whether to authorize construction of the proposed repository can be made only after a hearing has been conducted on contested issues and the Commission has completed its review of contested and uncontested issues under 10 CFR 2.1023(c).

• In January 2017, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Ruben Kihuen, and Jacky Rosen introduced the Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act, H.R. 456 in the House of Representatives. U.S. Senators Dean Heller and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced S. 95, which is the

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The legislation allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to authorize construction of a nuclear waste repository only if the Secretary of Energy has secured written consent from the governor of the host state, affected units of local government, and affected Indian tribes.

• The 2017 Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution 10, which expresses opposition to the development of a repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain in the State of Nevada. The Chamber supported this resolution because of risk of potential terrorist threats, environmental impacts, transportation challenges, and the safety of storing nuclear waste material are too great of risk on our region’s economy.

• Governor Sisolak has reiterated his continued opposition to Yucca Mountain and the State’s commitment to block such efforts to revive the project by the federal government and has had meetings with President Trump’s Administration including Energy Secretary Rick Perry on the issue.

• In June 2017, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 49-4 to advance a bill that would restart Yucca Mountain. The proposed legislation would set a time limit for the NRC to approve the project and allows for the necessary land transfer for the project. The legislation would also allow the DOE to permit an interim nuclear waste storage site before the licensing process completed for Yucca Mountain.

• In January of 2019 news reports revealed that the Department of Energy had been shipping nuclear waste to the Nevada National Security Site (formerly

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the Nevada Test Site) without notifying state and local governments. Later investigation revealed that several shipments of nuclear waste had been improperly classified as “low level radioactive waste” instead of the more accurate “mixed low-level radioactive waste”, a designation that includes the presence of various toxic metals. Later measurements found chromium levels at the Nevada National Security site to be at a toxicity level higher than is allowed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

• In July of 2019, the funding authorization for Yucca Mountain was defeated in House Committee on Appropriations.

• U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has, in various hearings and press statements, taken the position that current Yucca Mountain plans will not move forward, and that the Biden Administration will work to “engage in some consensus-based strategies that allow us to determine where that waste should go.” While alternative plans have yet to be offered or vetted, it seems likely that the Yucca Mountain issue will remain tabled for the duration of the Biden Administration.

• President Biden himself has stated, during an editorial board interview with the Las Vegas Sun during the 2020 election, “I assure you as president there will be no storage at Yucca Mountain, period, And it’s not just because of the instability and possibility of earthquakes, but because of the transportation to Yucca Mountain.”

• The 2022 midterm elections could result in changes to partisan control of one or both houses of congress, and by extension open opportunities for new iterations

LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

of authorizing and funding bills for Yucca Mountain. Despite this, it seems unlikely that this would be either a top priority for new leadership, or an area where the administration would be likely to compromise.

Safety Concerns:

• Any incident with the transport or storage of nuclear waste could have a severe and negative economic impact on Southern Nevada’s economy and the safety of more than 2 million residents within 100 miles of the Yucca Mountain Site and the almost 43 million annual visitors.

• The storing of 77,000 tons of nuclear waste less than 90 miles from Las Vegas is a concern to the business community and residents because of potential terrorist threats, environmental impact, transportation challenges and the safety of storing the nuclear waste material.

Political Factors:

• Advocates for Yucca Mountain to be a nuclear waste storage site include U.S. Senators and members of Congress whose states have numerous nuclear power plants, such as Illinois, Washington, and South Carolina. Other supporters include the Nuclear Energy Institute, Nye County Commissioners and Former Nevada Governor Bob List.

• Opponents to Yucca Mountain include Governor Steve Sisolak, Nevada State Legislature, several members of Nevada’s Congressional delegation, Vegas Chamber, several Nevada business associations, and the majority of Nevadans.

Source: United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

• Regarding the transportation and storage infrastructure at Yucca Mountain, there has been no construction of waste disposal tunnels, receiving and handling facilities. Also, the appropriate waste containers and transportation casks have yet to be developed and are not available to use. In addition, the railroad lines to transport the nuclear waste to the storage site have not been constructed. It is expected that nuclear waste shipments from across the country will cross 42 states and approximately 700 counties to be stored at Yucca Mountain.

• The reprocessing of nuclear waste requires large amount of water, which is a concern since the region is in a severe drought. This is a concern to businesses, local governments, residents, and regional water agencies. The State of Nevada has refused to issue those water rates for the project.

• There are concerns about the seismic activity in the region, which questions the logic of storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. Nevada ranks as the fourth highest in seismic activity in the United States by the U.S. Geological Survey.

• Concerns also exist for improper implementation of outlined safety procedures by the DOE and their contractors. In 2014 the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico experienced a radiological accident in which one facility employee was hospitalized due to the release of stored radioactive waste materials. The cause of the accident was later determined to be use of improper materials by DOE contractors on several radioactive waste containers. More recently, as mentioned above, the DOE has admitted to improper labeling of radioactive waste shipments to the Nevada National Security Site, leading to concerns of increased presence of toxic metals such as chromium.

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Federal Leadership

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President of United States Joseph R. Biden The Cabinet The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet’s role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member’s respective office. The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments —the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

In order of succession to the Presidency:

Vice President of the United State Kamala Harris

Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona

Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis Mcdonough

Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Janet Yellen Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Attorney General Merrick Garland Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Michael Regan Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai United States Ambassador to The United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield Chair of The Council of Economic Advisers Dr. Cecilia Rouse

Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra

Administrator of the Small Business Administration Isabel Guzman

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge

Presidential Science Advisor and Director of the

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. Eric Lander Chief of Staff Ron Klain

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2020

President of the Senate 117th Congress, 1st Session

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris

Senate Leadership: The floor leaders and whips of each party are elected by a majority vote of all the senators of their party assembled in a conference or, as it sometimes is called, a caucus. The practice has been to choose the leader for a two-year term at the beginning of each Congress. The majority and minority leaders are the elected spokespersons on the Senate floor for their respective political parties.

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United States United States Senate Senate Majority Leadership Minority Leadership Structure - Democrats Structure - Republicans 117th Congress, 1st Session

117th Congress, 1st Session

President Pro Tempore Senator Patrick Leahy, D-VT

Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY

Majority Leader Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY

Minority Whip Senator John Thune, R-SD

Majority Whip Senator Richard Durbin, D-IL

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Speaker of the House 117th Congress, 1st Session

United States House United States House of Representatives of Representatives Majority Leadership Minority Leadership Structure - Democrats Structure - Republicans 117th Congress, 1st Session

117th Congress, 1st Session

Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer, MD-5th

Republican Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, CA-23rd

Represents Democrats on the House floor.

Represents Republicans on the House floor.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, CA-12th Elected by the whole of the House of Representatives, the Speaker acts as leader of the House and combines several roles: the institutional role of presiding officer and administrative head of the House, the role of leader of the majority party in the House, and the representative role of an elected member of the House. The Speaker of the House is second in line to succeed the President, after the Vice President.

House Leadership: The majority party members and the minority party members meet separately to select their leaders. Third parties rarely have had enough members to elect their own leadership, and independents will generally join one of the larger party organizations to receive committee assignments. A party caucus or conference is the name given to a meeting of or organization of all party members in the House.

Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, SC-6th

Republican Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, LA-1st

Assists leadership in managing party’s legislative program.

Assists leadership in managing

Assistant Speaker Rep. Katherine Clark, MA-5th

Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Elise Stefanik, NY-21st

Assists the Majority Leader.

Heads organization of all Republican Party members in the House.

Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, NY-8th Heads organization of all Democratic Party members in the House.

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Rep. Gary Palmer, AL-6th Heads Conference forum for policy development.

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Washington, D.C. Resources and Information

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Metro Map

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National Mall Map

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Smithsonian Mall Map

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Produced by the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

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YOUR GO-TO LEGAL ADVISOR IN A CHANGING WORLD. With 40 locations, Greenberg Traurig’s global network provides the platform clients need to operate in today’s legal marketplace.

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I T ’ S T IME T O V EG A S AG A IN As the world reopens, MGM Resorts International is proud to be at the forefront, welcoming guests back to the city of entertainment. While this past year has been a challenge, the need to be entertained has skyrocketed and Vegas is top of mind. From date night on The Strip, concerts at Allegiant Stadium to tying-theknot at one of our prestigious hotels, MGM Resorts International has its doors wide open to welcome you home again!

“The Nevada Mining Association personifies what a trade organization should be.” Randy Miller Broadbent & Associates

Our Mission Unite, educate, advocate, and serve as the public voice of Nevada’s modern mining industry.

Learn more at www.nevadamining.org

YOU HAVE THE POWER.

IT MATTERS WHO YOU BANK WITH®

We are proud to support the Vegas Chamber & LVGEA’s Washington, D.C. Fly-In.

A division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC 1

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8/16/21

11:08 AM

IS THE TIME

Twenty years ago, three educators challenged the status quo in graduate level healthcare education. They believed all students could be competent, at very high levels, but only if they were taught differently. They believed the bar could be raised, but that innovation must trump tradition. They believed that the Six-Point Mastery Learning Model® would prepare students better than ever before, and that graduates would enter healthcare fields with confidence, mastery and a competitive edge. Twenty years later, we have graduated over 6,700 students across two campuses and multiple programs. Our graduates are thriving, giving back and practicing on the frontlines of today’s complex world of healthcare. Learn more at roseman.edu. COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

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WE NEED LOCAL BUSINESSES TO HELP CONSERVE WATER FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO THRIVE.

JOHN ENTSMINGER

GENERAL MANAGER, SOUTHERN NEVADA WATER AUTHORITY

Help your business save water and reduce monthly expenses by removing your useless grass. Cash incentives are available through the Water Smart Landscapes Program. Email our experts today at

cashincentives@snwa.com to learn how much you can save, or call 702-862-3740. Southern Nevada Water Authority is a not-for-profit water agency

Sw i t c h i s P r o u d t o S u p p o r t t h e

LVGEA and Vegas Chamber’s Annual DC Fly-in!

Without a Heart, it’s just a machine. Southwest Airlines® is a proud member of the Vegas Chamber.

You Can Make It Happen Too!

The Executive MBA Program at UNLV can help you achieve your goals.

Now accepting applications from qualiﬁed candidates for June 2022 seating

Learn more

702.895.2628 | EMBA.UNLV.EDU

Thank You to Our Washington, D.C. Fly-in Sponsors for bringing LV to DC!

Vegas Chamber Government Affairs Committee List Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO - Vegas Chamber

Government Affairs Committee Hugh Anderson Chairman of Government Affairs Committee, Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees – Hightower Las Vegas Gina Bongiovi Chair of the Board of Trustees - Bongiovi Law Firm Thomas J. Burns Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Cragin & Pike, Inc. Michael Feder Chairman- Elect of the Board of Trustees – Dickson Wright Michael Bolognini Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Cox Communications Michael Britt Red Rock Resorts, Inc. Mark Brown Miracle Flights MaryKaye Cashman Cashman Equipment Co. Tim Cashman Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees The Cashman Companies Lisa de Marigny Omni Limousine, Inc. J.T. Foley Las Vegas Sands Corp. Betsy Fretwell Switch Craig S. Galati LGA Architecture, Inc. Debra Gallo BizPAC Chair Southwest Gas John Guedry Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bank of Nevada

Keith Hansen Allegiant Travel Company Dave Howell Wells Fargo Karlos LaSane Caesars Entertainment Corporation Chad Leavitt Findlay Automotive Group Todd Mason Wynn Resorts Meghan McLean Fair, Anderson & Langerman Erin McMullen Midby Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee Boyd Gaming Corporation George F. Ogilvie III, Esq. McDonald Carano John O’Reilly Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees O’Reilly Law Group Damon Schilling AMR/Medic West Greta Seidman Brightline West Jennifer Simich Republic Services Todd Sklamberg Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center Sasha Sutcliffe-Stephenson MGM Resorts International Ted Wiens, Jr. Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ted Wiens Tire & Auto