THE EIGHTIETH DAY
Carson City(Wednesday), April 21, 1999
Senate called to order at 11:27 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Roll called.
All present.
Prayer by the Chaplain, the Reverend Tom Rahme.
Dear Heavenly Father:
In light of the horrendous shootings in Colorado, Lord I pray that You would comfort both friends and family of those involved, and that You, God, would be legislated back into our schools to help establish a moral guideline for our young people. Lord, I ask that You will be with this Senate and assist them in their tasks today.
I ask these things in Your Son’s Name.
Amen.
Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.
Senator Raggio moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the President and Secretary be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.
Motion carried.
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
By Senators Raggio, Titus, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O’Connell, O’Donnell, Porter, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Townsend, Washington and Wiener:
Senate Resolution No. 8—Expressing appreciation to the staff of the Senate for their dedication and outstanding performance during the 70th session of the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, The Nevada Legislature undertakes an enormous task every 2 years and must depend on its staff to assist the members in the performance of their legislative duties on behalf of the residents of the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, The smooth and efficient operation of the Nevada Legislature is largely dependent on the quality and dedication of its staff; and
Whereas, This legislative session is the first session limited to 120 days, and this body recognizes the many extra demands that have been placed on the staff by requiring them to learn and assimilate new standing rules and additional deadlines; and
Whereas, The front desk, executive assistants, sergeant at arms, committee managers, committee secretaries, personal secretaries, bill clerks and other administrative support staff who serve as attachés of the Senate have worked diligently and efficiently in their service to the members of the Senate; now, therefore, be it
Resolved BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, That the members of the Senate of the 70th session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby express their appreciation and commend the outstanding support staff of the Senate which includes Mary Jo Mongelli, Ann-Berit Moyle, Mary R. Phillips, Mary Ellen Patt, Claire Clift, Jane Gill, Ruth B. Pierini, Charles Welsh, Sam A. Palazzolo, Ronald Sandoval, Geraldine E. Selover, John D. Turner, Shirley Hammon, Betty Christenson, Jan Hunt, Joan Thran, Dorothy Souza, Linda Chapman, Miki Primus, Jodi Curry, Paula M. Saponaro, Mary Jo Meyer, June A. Fitzpatrick, Laura Adler, Laura Arends, Sandi Arraiz, Sheri Asay, Jeanne Baret, Ricka Benum, Billie Brinkman, Julie Ann Burdette, Robin Camacho, Beverly Chapin, Cwendolyn Chapman, Millard (J.R.) Clark, Cynthia Cook, Scott Corbett, Emory Crews, Angela Culbert, Patricia DiDomenico, Madalena Fischer, Kelly Formby, Mary Gavin, Jo Greenslate, Patti Hampton, Judy Jacobs, Ardyss Johns, Jean Laird, Kathryn Lawrence, Maudie Long, Janice McClure, Christine Melburn, Joan Moseid, Barbara Moss, Silvia Motta, Alice Nevin, Sue Parkhurst, Marion Sandoval, Kimberly Potvin, Lela Rude, Mavis Scarff, Connie (C.J.) Smith, Mary Soscia, Crystal Rae Suess, Judith Toscano, Amelie Welden, JoAnn Wessel, Norman R. Wessel, Beverly Willis, Johnnie Willis, Rayna A. Wortman, Brian Wright, Janet Meredith, Patty Woodworth, Bob Byington, Bretia Herman, Alyce King, Oliver O. Perondi, Joe Pieretti, Rose Marie Price, Marlene Staub, Lori Whatley and Fred White; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to each member of the esteemed staff of the Senate.
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Raggio.
Resolution adopted.
MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, April 21, 1999
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 47.
Susan Furlong Reil
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 47—Designating April 21, 1999, as E Clampus Vitus Day at the Nevada Legislature.
Whereas, It has come to the attention of the Nevada Legislature that the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus has maintained its honorable status throughout the known world and especially in this great State of Nevada; and
Whereas, The Ancient and Honorable and Exceedingly Humble Order of E Clampus Vitus has survived the test of time to become one of the longest surviving brotherhoods of men that continues to fulfill a fundamental need in providing protection and kindness while advancing the noble cause of Clamperdom to residents of the Silver State, especially all the “widders” and orphans, and descendants of the argonauts; and
Whereas, The Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus was founded in West Virginia in 1845 by Ephram Bee, owner of a tavern on the National Road, and shortly thereafter the warmhearted brothers affectionately became known as the “Clampin Vipers”; and
Whereas, In 1860, William Stewart founded the first Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Winnemucca Lodge #1, in the Utah Territory, in the unsuspecting peaceful town known as Carson City; and
Whereas, The creed of the Clamproctors, yesterday, as well as today, is “to protect the ‘widders’ and orphans, and MAINLY the ‘widders’”; and
Whereas, The State of Nevada is proud to continue the tradition of 154 years of devoted service with the Nevada chapters which now include the Snowshoe Thomson Chapter of Douglas County, the Julia C. Bulette Chapter of the Comstock, the Lucinda Jane Saunders Chapter of Elko County and the Keheo Chapter of Clark County; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the 70th session of the Nevada Legislature, of whom many are proud members of E Clampus Vitus, do hereby declare April 21, 1999, as E Clampus Vitus Day at the Nevada Legislature, a day to be marked by appropriate revelry and thanksgiving; and be it further
Resolved, That the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus is praised and commended for its contributions to mankind and others, and recognized as an illustrious group of Clampers, Clampatrious, Vituscans and Frolicking Friars who must continue to serve and protect the residents of the Silver State; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Clamp Patriarchs, Peter Van Alstyne and John W. Riggs, Sr.
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Raggio, Neal, Titus and Porter.
Senator Raggio requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Raggio:
I know that over the years we have always enjoyed the antics of those who are dressed in the black and red costumes with all the pins and paraphernalia. We have witnessed their frolicking, as they say, and the efforts that they put forth to have a good time. Many of us, personally, have enjoyed the participation in the events that they have sponsored. There are a number of members of E Clampus Vitus in the Senate including Senators Jacobsen, Rawson, Shaffer, Amodei, Coffin and myself. I remember the day that I was initiated into the Clampers in Virginia City, and my colleague, Grant Sawyer, was initiated at the same time. I was the District Attorney, and he was the Governor. They made an extra effort in initiating the two of us. Aside from all of the frolicking and the fun times and some of the apparent mischief that they get into, there is a very serious side to E Clampus Vitus as you have noted in the resolution. They were founded in 1860. They have been around a long time. The serious side of their efforts is to preserve many historical places, recognize them and to note them. You may be travelling throughout the West, perhaps in Markleeville, Sonora, Virginia City, all through the Mother Lode country, and you will see the plaques that have been put there by the Clampers. Thanks to them, a great many of these places have been preserved for posterity and for those who really enjoy history. They are owed our thanks and recognition. We pause for a moment today and join with the Assembly in recognizing this organization. Although they are having fun while they are doing it, they have been very active in this effort of preservation of our western heritage.
Senator Neal:
Yes, Madam President, I was wondering, since Senator Raggio has indicated that he is a member of this group, can we assume by that that group does not have any monthly dues.
Senator Titus:
I just want to ask if the initiation into this group involves any hazing in any way?
Senator Raggio:
Just a response, I think if I read the hazing bill correctly, it only applied if they forced the liquor on you and not if you drank it willingly. I think there was an exception.
Senator Porter:
It is obvious to me that Carol Villardo is the newest member of the group. We would just like to congratulate her because she is dressed today to be a member. Congratulations Carol.
Resolution adopted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Signing of Bills and Resolutions
There being no objections, the President and Secretary signed Assembly Bills Nos. 167, 250, 340, 649.
GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF SENATE FLOOR
On request of Senator Shaffer, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Sharon Shaffer.
On request of Senator Raggio, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to the following students from Reed High School representing “We the People:” Melissa Cook, Collin Ferrari, Jose’ Claro, Rochelle Abbott, Tomas Macaluso, Brandon Price, Lotoya Clayton, Kara Player; teacher, Mr. Milt Hyams and E Clampus Vitus Patriarch, John W. Riggs, Sr.
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Thursday, April 22, 1999 at 11 a.m.
Motion carried.
Senate adjourned at 1:28 p.m.
Approved: Lorraine T. Hunt
President of the Senate
Attest: Janice L. Thomas