THE FIFTY-FIRST DAY
Carson City (Tuesday), March 27, 2001
Assembly called to order at 11:39 a.m.
Mr. Speaker presiding.
Roll called.
All present except Assemblywoman Freeman, who was excused.
Prayer by the Chaplain, Pastor Monte Fast.
Eternal God, may we never be forgetful that we did not create ourselves, that every good gift comes from our Creator, and that we are custodians, not owners, of those material goods which come to our hands. And in acknowledging our humanity, let us commit to service above self.
Amen.
Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.
Assemblywoman Buckley moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the Speaker and Chief Clerk be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.
Motion carried.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Mr. Speaker:
Your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which were referred Assembly Bill No. 310; Senate Bill No. 53, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Joseph E. Dini, Jr., Chairman
Mr. Speaker:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 223, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Education, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 1, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Wendell P. Williams, Chairman
Mr. Speaker:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 545, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Ellen M. Koivisto, Chairman
Mr. Speaker:
Your Concurrent Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 371, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Ellen M. Koivisto, Chairman
Mr. Speaker:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 344, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Bernie Anderson, Chairman
Mr. Speaker:
Your Concurrent Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 69, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Without recommendation.
Bernie Anderson, Chairman
MESSAGES FROM THE Senate
Senate Chamber, Carson City, March 27, 2001
To the Honorable the Assembly:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Senate on this day adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25.
Mary Jo Mongelli
Assistant Secretary of the Senate
Mr. Speaker announced if there were no objections, the Assembly would recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Assembly in recess at 11:43 a.m.
ASSEMBLY IN SESSION
At 11:44 a.m.
Mr. Speaker pro Tempore presiding.
Quorum present.
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
By Assemblymen Dini, Anderson, Angle, Arberry, Bache, Beers, Berman, Brower, Brown, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Claborn, Collins, de Braga, Freeman, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Hettrick, Humke, Koivisto, Lee, Leslie, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams; 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:
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 17—Designating March 27, 2001, as Nevada Diabetes Awareness Day.
Whereas, Diabetes is a serious and debilitating disease that poses a major health problem to the residents of the State of Nevada; and
Whereas, Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, with almost 16 million people having been diagnosed with the disease; and
Whereas, While 2,200 people are diagnosed with diabetes each day in the United States, many go undiagnosed because of lack of education and information regarding this disease; and
Whereas, In addition to the high mortality rate, diabetes has such life-threatening complications as blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease which may lead to lower limb amputations, heart disease and stroke; and
Whereas, Many people are unaware that there is an increased risk factor because of age, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle and that risk may be averted through known preventive measures; and
Whereas, Diabetes is one of the most costly health problems in the United States, running $98 billion annually for lost productivity and costs directly related to the disease; and
Whereas, It is estimated that the population of this state will double in the next 20 years, causing a great economic burden on the state and its residents, in addition to the human suffering, if this disease goes unchecked; and
Whereas, The cooperative efforts in the production of the “Nevada Diabetes Resource Directory” and the “Guidelines for Children with Diabetes in School” and statewide distribution of “Diabetes Patient Management and Physician Clinical Practice Cards” will have a great impact in reducing the incidence of diabetes by promoting community awareness; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That March 27, 2001, is hereby designated as Nevada Diabetes Awareness Day; and be it further
Resolved, That the Nevada Legislature hereby commends the Nevada Diabetes Council and the Nevada Diabetes Association for Children and Adults for their efforts to reduce the effects of diabetes on the residents of this state by supplying them with resources and information; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Carolyn Leontos, Chairperson of the Nevada Diabetes Council, and to Mylan Hawkins, Executive Director of the Nevada Diabetes Association for Children and Adults.
Assemblyman Dini moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Assemblymen Dini, Perkins, Nolan, Manendo and Price.
Assemblyman Perkins requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Assemblyman Dini:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. Diabetes Awareness Day is a very important day for us at the Legislature. This is a disease that has affected millions of people in our country and thousands of people in our state. As a person who fights the disease every day, I am well aware of the problems of people plagued with this disease. My mother had diabetes and in the descendant line my sister and I became diabetics. It is a serious problem, one we must recognize at our universities, in research, and in the funding we provide for people with this tragic disease. There is nothing worse than sticking yourself in the finger three or four times a day and giving yourself a shot or taking pills. It is a necessary part of controlling this disease. People who realize they have this disease and control it are able to continue living. It is something you live with every day of your life. If you don’t get it controlled you have the problems of kidney failure, blindness and nerve disease. I know Assemblyman Price has been plagued with some of these ailments the past few years. All of us must recognize that we must do more. We have to call on Congress and ourselves to combat this disease and to do the research necessary to bring a more successful conclusion to our efforts. Mr. Speaker pro Tempore, I urge your support of this resolution and call on this house to increase its awareness and support to solve this problem.
Assemblyman Perkins:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I rise in support of ACR 17. I would like to echo the remarks of the Speaker Emeritus. My father was diagnosed with diabetes some 40 years ago and has been living with that disease since. It’s hard to imagine, unless you are dealing with it on a daily basis, either personally or within your family. I think that is what this resolution speaks to—for more folks to be aware of the debilitating effects of that disease; the additional burdens on a family; having to be insulin dependent and take a shot every day. It speaks to even those who aren’t insulin dependent. The education and efforts to learn about this are going to be very important as we move into the future. We can only hope that some time in the near future that this disease will be eradicated and many folks won’t have that burden to live with. I like to urge the body to support this resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore.
Assemblyman Nolan:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of this resolution. I grew up with two friends of mine that were twins. Both were born with childhood diabetes. One of them is still with us while the other is not. They had a lifetime of struggles associated with this particular disease. Later on in life, my father, too, contracted diabetes, became insulin dependent and later passed away from complications associated with the disease. I think that the real issue is that we owe ourselves to commit to further—to whatever degree we can—treatment. We will find eventually, hopefully the cure for diabetes, especially for little kids, like Christopher Meehan who is sitting here with me today. He showed off his insulin pump, which he carries around his waist with a small needle inserted into his abdomen. It’s these little fellows and little girls that we really have to strive to help in whatever way we can, including passing resolutions like this one, to eventually finding a cure for diabetes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore.
Assemblyman Manendo:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of ACR 17. Actually, I just wanted to mention and thank one of our colleagues from Assembly District 19. He has worked really hard and was really instrumental in recruiting a lot of the members in this body to go out on the streets on D.A.D.‘s (Dollar’s and Diabetes) day. I personally wanted to say, from my own standpoint, that I appreciate you involving me in this process. We go out on the street corners and we have our shirts and our hats and we raise money for this worthy cause. I just wanted to rise in support of the resolution. I also wanted to make the body aware that our colleague from Assembly District 19 is working very hard and we appreciate all that you do. Thank you.
Assemblyman Price:
I, too, rise in support of ACR 17 and certainly appreciate the work the Council and Association has done in the past. As was indicated, I have diabetes type II. I always remember a story from when I first became aware I was diabetic; it was back in the days when people didn’t like to tell anyone they had diabetes. People were ashamed of being diabetic and I never told anyone, other than my doctor and my immediate family. One of the side effects is that you have to visit the restroom on a frequent basis. A good friend from the press, who didn’t know of the problem, did a story about me, questioning why I was getting up and leaving meetings all the time and coming back. For the first time, I acknowledged the problem and my friend from the press felt quite bad about the story. Now we are fortunate that more research is being done throughout the country. We hope that one of these days a permanent relief from this disease will be found. I would like to thank the makers and supporters of this resolution.
Resolution adopted unanimously.
Assemblyman Dini moved that all rules be suspended and that Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 17 be immediately transmitted to the Senate.
Motion carried unanimously.
By Assemblymen Anderson, Angle, Arberry, Bache, Beers, Berman, Brower, Brown, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Claborn, Collins, de Braga, Dini, Freeman, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Hettrick, Humke, Koivisto, Lee, Leslie, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams; 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:
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 18—Memorializing former Assemblywoman Jan Evans.
Whereas, On April 24, 2000, flags throughout the State of Nevada were lowered to half-mast in honor of the passing of one of this state’s most beloved and accomplished legislators, Jan Evans; and
Whereas, If ever there was a time when a person’s passing initiated a celebration of life, in addition to creating a cause to mourn an irreplaceable loss, the passing of Jan Evans was such a time; and
Whereas, Although few were aware of it, after her birth in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan grew up in foster homes, where her closest family and best friends were the animals in the barn, a circumstance that in no way embittered her, but rather caused her to work passionately on issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, education and juvenile justice to protect the rights of children; and
Whereas, After putting herself through the University of Northern Colorado, Jan taught in the Denver public schools until she moved to Reno in 1969, where she extended her education by earning a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Nevada, Reno; and
Whereas, After moving to Reno, Jan performed volunteer work in the community, and even before she began her career as a public servant upon being elected in 1986 to represent the residents of Sparks District 30 in the Assembly, she influenced the legislative process in the State of Nevada by spending time as a volunteer lobbyist; and
Whereas, During her tenure as an Assemblywoman, Jan distinguished herself by attaining the distinction of highest-ranking woman in the Assembly while serving as a member of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and the Interim Finance Committee each session, as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means for three sessions, as Committee Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and Assistant Majority Floor Leader during the 1991 session, as Cospeaker pro Tempore during the 1995 session and as Speaker pro Tempore during the 1997 and 1999 sessions; and
Whereas, As the primary sponsor of many important pieces of legislation that will touch lives far into the future, Jan Evans built a legacy which can never die as she worked diligently to secure the passage of bills to increase money for victims of domestic violence, for protective services for children, for libraries, for treatment of AIDS and for programs for adult literacy; and
Whereas, Jan also sponsored bills to help equip pupils with the necessary skills for transition from school to work, to upgrade services relating to substance abuse and mental health, to accomplish long-term financial analysis and planning for our state, and to facilitate the use of money from federal tobacco settlements; and
Whereas, Jan will be especially remembered and admired for her courage and diligence in working for issues relating to women and children because, as one of her legislative colleagues recalled, “She cared about those issues at a time when they were not popular” and “to take on things like domestic violence was very unpopular, but she was very brave”; and
Whereas, Colleagues also remember Jan as one who was always prepared and had her facts at hand, and they fondly recall the image of her slowly lowering her head and looking over her colorful glasses to “scold” anyone who came unprepared for a meeting of her committee; and
Whereas, In the political arena where the ability to unite those with diverse opinions looms awesome, this great lady was recognized as a builder of bridges toward consensus and as a “power-sharer” who often did most of the work on a project but was the first to offer thanks to everyone who helped; and
Whereas, Throughout the seven terms Jan served in the Assembly, her dedication to the residents of the State of Nevada never waned, even during her struggle with cancer, as evidenced by the calls she made from her hospital bed after surgery to determine the progress of legislation that was important to her; and
Whereas, Proving herself to be a powerful force not only as a legislator, Jan revealed her strength of character and devotion to others through the massive amount of time she spent helping such organizations as the Advisory Council of the Committee to Aid Abused Women, Nevada Women’s Fund, Women’s Health Initiative, KNPB TV, Sparks Heritage Foundation and Sparks Community Chamber of Commerce, in addition to her role as the Director of Development for the University of Nevada School of Medicine; and
Whereas, The receipt of such awards as the Thornton Peace Prize from the University of Nevada, Reno, the Women Helping Women Award from the Soroptimist International of Truckee Meadows, the Hannah Humanitarian Award from the Committee to Aid Abused Women, the National Merit Award from the State Democratic Leaders Association, the Governor’s Mental Health Leadership Award, the Toll Fellowship from the Council of State Governments, the Mike O’Callaghan Humanitarian Award from the Truckee Meadows Human Services Association, the People’s Guardian Award, the Women’s Role Model Award and posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame of the Nevada Women’s Fund cannot express the gratitude she deserves; and
Whereas, In spite of her long hours of serious work, Jan also had a lighter side, as evidenced by the recollection of her close friend Sue Wagner, former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, when she smiled about times she and Jan, as two of the few Cleveland Indian fans in this area, would pretend they were announcers and broadcast games to each other over the telephone; and
Whereas, Jan Evans, said the Reverend John Ruby, who conducted her funeral service, “lived not only with passion for issues, but compassion for people”; and
Whereas, Perhaps Dr. Robert Daugherty, Dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine best summed up our feelings when he eulogized, “What do you say when an angel goes to heaven? Nevada has lost part of its soul and those of us left can only hope to show each other the respect and provide the help that Jan provided every day. In the office or in the Legislature, she was always looking after someone other than herself. Her behind-the-scenes work on behalf of all of us is indestructible, and the results will live for a long time.”; and
Whereas, Jan’s presence will be sorely missed, both in the Legislature and in all the places she touched, because as everyone who knew her acknowledges, Jan was a completely selfless champion of those who were unable to fight for themselves; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the 71st legislative session offer their sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Jan Evans, a woman who endeared herself to everyone she knew, especially to those of us with whom she served; and be it further
Resolved, That the name Jan Evans has become, and will always remain, synonymous with compassion, courage and integrity, and the person Jan Evans will always be alive in our hearts and minds; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Jan’s son, Robert Evans, and her daughter, Tracey Heath.
Assemblyman Anderson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Assemblymen Anderson, Chowning, de Braga, Leslie, Dini, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Perkins, Smith, Goldwater, Carpenter, Arberry, Marvel, Price, Buckley and Ohrenschall.
Assemblyman Perkins requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Assemblyman Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. It’s a long resolution, and yet for those of us who served with Jan, we know that it could not possibly touch to the depth of how it feels for the many accomplishments that Jan did here in this room and in this building and for the people of this state. Being from the same community as Jan, and watching her work, I knew from the very, very beginning that much was to be expected. However, it was her support for each of us in our own individual efforts to try and achieve what was best for the citizens of the State of Nevada that made Jan Evans stand shoulders above. There are many fine legislators here. Few will ever rise to the level of that Jan Evans has set as a mark. It is a mark for all of us to aim for. That is the best we can all hope for. She is the best of us.
Her sense of humor, I think was most important, and I am always reminded by her final words. Her final words to me, when she asked me to receive an honor for her in the closing days of her life. She said, “Please, Bernie. Don’t get carried away with it.” All of us can best remember Jan Evans by doing the best job we can. That is what I am going to do. I hope many of you will, too.
Assemblywoman Chowning:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. It is indeed a great honor to stand today in support of this resolution, ACR 18. When we lose one of our colleagues, it hits us hard. When we lost this colleague, it hit us extremely hard. There are so many people out here that would like to say something. We have the privilege to address everyone with the microphone. When I first came as a proud member of this body, I received a very lovely china cup and saucer filled with flowers. I did not know from whom it came. Jan did not even know me. I did not know her. But that was the way she was. She was a mentor to the nth degree. We all say we would like to make a difference. Jan made a difference.
I think of her smile and her thin body. It always seemed as though she had a spirit that was like a whirlwind. Every where she was she had consummate energy. When she was ill, so many of us didn’t even know that she was. That energy just kept on going. She kept it a secret from so many of us. So it is with great honor and privilege today that I rise and thank her for her mentorship and hope that all of us can continue to be mentors to other people in her honor. Thank you.
Assemblyman de Braga:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I rise in support of ACR 18, as well. Jan was the first legislator I met when I first decided to run for office. She came to interview me to see if I might be worthy of Democratic support. She instantly became a wonderful friend. When I think of her, and I think of her often, I do so with such a sense of loss because she’s gone. But also such a sense of great good fortune that I had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Assemblywoman Leslie:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. Jan, for me, was one of the best role models I’ve ever had in my life. I don’t think I would have run for office if had not been for Jan. I walked in her many campaigns. You all know how our campaigns are. You have your volunteers; you never know who is going to show; you have all your literature all over your room; and you’re lucky if you even made a pot of coffee and had some donuts. Well, Jan’s campaigns were never like that, let me tell you. She always had everything organized. When you showed up to walk for Jan, she was ready for you and appreciated it. When I was thinking of running for office, she called me and encouraged me to do it and told me that my biggest enemy was going to be time—finding the time to manage everything. I found that piece of advice to be very true. As every piece of advice she ever gave me was very true. Mr. Speaker pro Tempore, I have enjoyed sitting next to you this session, but sitting next to her last session was the best thing that could have happened to me as a freshman. She taught me so much. Since we come from the same area and we care about the same issues, people have said to me many times, “You have some big shoes to fill.” I can tell you, her shoes are impossible to fill and you all know that.
When Rob was here, when we were cleaning out her office, I went through her files. I kept a bunch of them. Some I sent to some of you, because they had meticulous notes on them, on different issues she was working on, things we are working on this session. One of my colleagues from Las Vegas knows of what I speak. She kept things she knew we would be moving towards. That was the kind of visionary she was. I have those files up in my office and from time to time I will look at the things she wrote and I find inspiration there. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore, we have lost the finest legislator I think we’ll ever see. Rob, I miss your mother every day I’m here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore.
Assemblyman Dini:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I must arise in support of this resolution. You know, Jan was my right hand person, as my Speaker pro Tempore those three sessions. Our friendship started many years ago, before she became a legislator and she was lobbying for the women and children in our state. I guess, in those days, it was uncommon for a woman to be a lobbyist. I was one of the few people on the second floor that would talk to her. She came to my office quite often and we developed a friendship that lasted all those years. I tell you, her honesty and her loyalty to me were something I will forever cherish. I can’t forget it. We worked together. She was always in my office telling me what was going on. There were no secrets. I will never forget that honesty and loyalty she showed to me. She was probably one of the reasons I was able to be Speaker eight times: because of that honesty and loyalty and dedication that we were both working for. I certainly extend my feelings to the family again and we certainly miss Jan.
Assemblywoman Gibbons:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of this wonderful legislator, wonderful person; I rise in support of ACR 18. I knew Jan before she was in politics. I actually met her when she was interning for Sue Wagner. They began the crusade to raise money for domestic violence. I really have felt her spirit this session and I know my colleague from Sparks, who is currently in her seat, has felt that way as well. I know that we don’t have the fights that Jan and Sue had, but we have had a few. Just go out there and preach the gospel; the gospel of goodness, the gospel of Jan Evans, the gospel of Sue Wagner. I hope that I’m going to be that kind of legislator. I strive to be that kind of legislator, someone who cares about people and just always does the right thing. I guess where I want to differ from her is the part, “only the good die young.” One thing she left was a wonderful legacy, a wonderful legacy in Robert and Tracy. So, I’m thankful to have them and I think Robert and his wife have moved to this area. We look for good things for them and good memories.
Assemblywoman Giunchigliani:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of ACR 18. I think every woman legislator and lobbyist in this building owes a debt of gratitude to Jan for paving the way for many of us. She did it with grace. I had two role models: Marvin Sedway and Jan Evans. Some of you probably would say I modeled myself more after Marvin Sedway. In reality, I have to say that I learned a great deal from Jan Evans. I think you have seen a little bit of a change as far as that is concerned because sometimes you can do things quietly and still carry a big stick and get your message across. When I was given the privilege of being Vice-Chairman, it almost scared me, even though I wanted it. It scared me because Jan was awesome. She was always prepared. She did everything. I don’t intend to try and fill her shoes; it can not happen. All I want to do is make sure her compassion and her conscience is not forgotten in these hallowed halls. To the family, I didn’t know you, but God bless you for having brought us a wonderful mom. Thank you.
Assemblyman Perkins:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of the resolution. The funny thing for me is that Jan would take us all to task for even doing this today. She wouldn’t have approved of this by any stretch of the imagination. Spending any time on a resolution in her memory would have just been a waste of time as far as she was concerned. I can tell you that the half hour or so that we’re going to spend on this—doesn’t do her justice.
I look back on my remarks on Opening Day and those were really remarks that meant a lot to me as it relates to Jan. I talked about her being our moral compass, a person who never, ever gave up on helping those who needed it the most. Being a rare public servant who refused to bow to the political pressure of the moment. She was often our conscience. In many ways, that fit hand and glove with some of the remarks in the resolution. She was described as compassionate, courageous and with integrity. Jan took me under her wing in my freshman year on Ways and Means and taught me the ropes, if you will, on the money committee. She did it in such a way, that she led by example. It was her humility and her work ethic that really allowed you to be drawn in to that.
She was the ultimate team player to accomplish those things for those who needed it most. Many adjectives can be used to describe her. She was the consummate work horse—not the show horse. She didn’t care about any of the accolades. The resolution, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore, also speaks to “power-sharer.” I see it a little differently than that. I thought she was more of an empowerer. In fact, by the time she got done talking to you and by the time she got done leading by example, there became a burden on yourself to do something. You did not want to let her down. You did not want to disappoint her because the causes she fought for were so very, very important. They just envelop you. She didn’t specifically ask for your help. You were just naturally drawn into it by her aura, the way she carried herself. Without question, Nevada is a better place today because of Jan and years from now when I tell stories to my grandchildren, the stories I will tell them will be of how proud I was to serve with Jan Evans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore.
Assemblywoman Smith:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. You have no idea how pleased I am to be here, to be able to rise in support of ACR 18. I first met Jan on her first campaign, a long time ago. Over the years, I worked with her on education issues. She was one of those people who would always talk to me, who would always welcome me into her world when I wanted to talk to her about an issue that PTA was concerned about. I still remember one time when we were having our day at the Legislature, and I was here on the floor. We had pins on that day, and I didn’t have a pin—I had given it away. She didn’t’ have one, either. She had me go and find a pin for her to wear and that touched me and stayed with me.
Unfortunately, probably for Jan, I became her neighbor about six years ago. Unfortunate because that meant some sidewalk conversations that she had to have with me about a particular issue or two. She was always very kind and spent whatever time it took for me to be able to express some concern to her. It was probably the biggest honor in my life the day she called me last January and told me she would not be able to run for reelection and asked if I would consider running in her seat. I put the phone down, sat and had a good cry. I could not believe both things were happening. She has left behind a legion of women and men who are supportive of me and have been helpful to me and I know that she watches out over each and every one of us. I, too, on days where I’m wondering if I’m doing something right will picture her looking down at me over her glasses and try to keep her spirit and her compassion alive in my heart, all the time.
I have her picture hanging in my office and I was searching and searching for something to put next to it, that reminded me of Jan. So I want to read to you the poster that I did find and when I found it, I thought “Oh my gosh. This is it.” It’s called “Some People” and it says, “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore.
Assemblyman Goldwater:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. The Speaker is right. Jan would not have wanted to a resolution on her life. If you recall, Jan who came to work early and stayed late and worked voraciously, during any resolution, put down her pen, put on her glasses, fold her hands, look up and listen to the resolution intently. Why? Why do we do these resolutions? Do we do them for ourselves? For the families? Do we do them for the person? I think it is a little of everything.
I will always believe, the voracious worker, didn’t feel well at the start of the session. I will always believe that she delayed her medical care and her diagnosis because of her work in this Assembly and her commitment to the things she believed in. I will always believe that because of that, her life was hastened. I think that we need to recognize that and we need to recognize it for what it is—no less a commitment to her State or her beliefs than a soldier dying on a battlefield; no less a commitment to her state, her country or her family than someone who would put themselves in harm’s way for what they believe. I came to this Assembly at the age of 23. I spent a good deal of my life in here. The people in this Chamber have become and are my family. It is tough to lose a family member. It is one of the hardest things you can do. You get a lot of cards, where everyone tells you what it is like to lose a family member and all the things you can accomplish and what’s left. There are a lot more questions than answers given in how your heart aches and the questions you ask. What are we left with but our family? We have all lost our family member and the family she has left behind will make her proud always. The people who sit in these chairs will always be Jan’s family—let’s hope that she’ll always be proud of her family.
Assemblyman Carpenter:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I rise in support of ACR 18. I came to this legislature as one of those freshman members with Jan. There were 13 of us then. There are only three left now. What I always admired most about Jan was how well she was prepared. You didn’t go up against Jan, because she would always be better prepared than you were. The thing I want to say is to thank Jan Evans, the person most responsible for enabling Elko to have a class size reduction of 22 to 1. I think that she would be proud of that. She came to me and said “You know, you have to get those Republicans in the Senate to get off their duff if you want to get 22 to 1.” So, that’s what happened. Thank you.
Assemblyman Arberry:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. Just sitting here, listening to everyone’s remarks, it seemed just like yesterday that I met Jan. It has been 18 years. I was walking down the hall, headed to the Senate, and I saw this little lady coming down the hall, storming. She was pounding away. She came straight up to me and said “You don’t know me but I know you.” I had just become chair of the Health Committee. She said, “My concerns are women and children. And I know you are a member of Ways and Means this session. So you will see a lot of me.”
As time passed, and she decided she wanted to run for office, I said, “Gosh, this lady is going to be a ball of fire.” She came to this legislature, turning and swirling and getting close to all of us. I got close to her. I had to share her with the Speaker from Yerington. She was right there. She was my rock. She kept me in line. Sometimes she would call me on the phone and say, “I need to talk to you.” I would say, “Okay. Who is going to come to who?” She would say, “I’ll try this time to go out in the hallway and see if I can make it to your office.” She was so loved by so many, she would be stopped in the hallway. She would get to my office two hours later and say, “I just got here.” I knew that she was pulled in all directions because she was loved by so many.
When it came to the point she was my vice-chair, when you look on your table, and this is not a racist comment, but you have the salt and pepper. I was the salt and she was the pepper because she kept me in line. Ways and Means functioned very well. As you know, as the sessions close, you come to negotiations with the Senate. I would sit down and talk with Senator Raggio and I would say to him, “Do you really want me to go get Jan?” He would say,” Nope. We can come to some conclusion today.”
In saying all this, I really miss her. She was really the glue. She made us all function very well and it was nice to hear what all you have said. I had the blessing of having her as my vice-chair. We cut a hole in the wall so we could just go and visit each other. When I heard about what was happening with her I felt very bad and I knew I was losing someone that was very close to me. So, to the family, we regret, but we always will remember and never forget her. She was the rock.
Assemblyman Marvel:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of ACR 18. I had the pleasure of working with Jan before she was a legislator. Everything that has been said here today has been absolutely true. Jan was a fine person and a great legislator. What is going to stand out mostly, however, in my memory of Jan, was the fact she was a great lady and always a lady.
Assemblyman Price:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I would first like to extend my thanks and appreciation to whoever actually wrote this resolution. It certainly goes a long way in telling how those of us who were fortunate enough to know and work with Jan felt about her and her accomplishments. For those of you who did not have the honor of meeting this lady, you have heard how all of us that worked with her and knew her felt. I have to say, in my opinion, the highest goal any of us should want to reach as a legislator and a person should be doing the right things on behalf of our community as she did. She was just wonderful.
For those of us attended her services, you know of the love and memories and the things she had to go through in her life were incredible. We as a legislature and us as a body, were so fortunate to have Jan to look forward to each day. I used to watch Jan. She was just amazing to me. Of course, I was learning like all of us do. To watch how she operated and how she was always on top of everything and was really a good person to work with was something to appreciate. I had fully expected in those days that she would end up being the first woman Speaker of the Assembly. I think if it had not been for the unfortunate circumstance that might have happened. I was wondering, if it is appropriate: are we going to hang a copy of this resolution in the halls of this building? I think it would be great for those who come after us. She was special.
Assemblywoman Buckley:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of ACR 18. When I was a volunteer lobbyist, before I ran for office, I had the opportunity to come to the legislature. For the first time, I went back to the gallery and I was watching the proceedings, and I watched Jan get up and make an argument on the floor. Jan had her own style. She was a great orator. When I saw her rise and pause and make every word count, I said, “Wow. This is what I aspire to.” Then, I think Jan really made a mark for herself because of her passion for issues. It’s not just that she cared about domestic violence and women and children. It was the passion to which she engaged in fines for them. I recall Jan’s reaction when we had a bill last session on spanking of children. We marched out to the Women’s Caucus. We started talking about the bill. Sometimes I think passion is not involved in enough of our arguments. With Jan, everything she cared about became passionate, whether it was people, whether it was issues, she was there. She was a fighter. She left her mark. If we can do anything for her today I think what she would appreciate is not this resolution, which she would be furious we are still talking about her, but to get out there and not let people forget what she fought for and to fight for the issues that she held dear.
Assemblywoman Ohrenschall:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I, too, rise in support of ACR 18. Everything which has been said about Jan Evans is true and more so. One aspect really hasn’t been touched on. Jan was a builder of consensus. She knew how to talk to people and make them see the issues that she was seeing, the way she felt about them. We used to have a bi-partisan Women’s Caucus as the Majority Leader mentioned. In that caucus, she gave unstinting advice, not just to women of her own party, but also to the women of the opposition party. I think that often helped to get legislation through. She exuded a feeling of family that won’t ever be replaced. Thank you.
Resolution adopted unanimously.
Assemblyman Anderson moved that all rules be suspended and that Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 18 be immediately transmitted to the Senate.
Motion carried unanimously.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25.
Assemblyman Dini moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Assemblymen Dini and Gibbons.
Assemblywoman Koivisto requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Assemblyman Dini:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. We are honored today to be able to recognize Professor John Seinfeld. He is the 14th scientist to receive the Desert Research Institute Nevada Medal. I thank Nevada Bell for recognizing the need to support and reward national scientific achievement. I appreciate Nevada Bell’s role in providing a substantial cash award and for collaborating with the Desert Research Institute to create the unique Nevada Medal. Dr. Seinfeld is highly regarded for his pioneer work, and he is widely considered responsible for establishing the field of air quality research as a true science. In 1967, while pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Princeton, Professor Seinfeld joined the California Institute of Technology, where he holds the Louis H. Nohl endowed chair in California Institute of Technology’s Chemical Engineering Department. Until recently he served as the Engineering School’s chairman, equivalent to a Dean in our university system. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Shortly after joining the California Institute of Technology, Professor Seinfeld began applying advanced analytical methods of the chemical industry to the description of air quality. In 1972 Professor Seinfeld introduced the first mathematical models that would allow scientists and air quality managers to simulate the chemical process of air pollution in the atmosphere. This enabled managers to try out possible solutions on computers and predict what might happen under various circumstances. This fundamental advancement in the battle for clean air gave air quality managers around the world the basic strategic tool for dealing effectively with the causes of pollution. Several of the Desert Research Institute’s own senior air quality scientists, entering the field a few years behind John Seinfeld, have taken his models and applied them to new air quality tools. Dr. Seinfeld was also one of the first scientists to describe the chemical process leading to the formation of urban ozone. He has been a leading figure in scientific advances toward understanding the formation and chemistry of aerosols, the microscopic particles and droplets that are the primary chemical components in the air. He is now involved in research examining the influence of these particles in the world’s climate. Yesterday afternoon, he presented the Nevada Medal lecture on that topic at the Desert Research Institute. Professor Seinfeld has published more than 400 papers and four critically acclaimed books. One of those books was considered by the University to be the basic worldwide textbook in atmospheric science, chemistry, and physics, from air pollution to climate change. We are honored to bring before the legislature one of the world’s foremost environmental scientists. I express our appreciation to Professor Seinfeld for his contributions. I thank Desert Research Institute and Nevada Bell for sponsoring the Nevada Medal program and bringing Professor Seinfeld to Nevada to share his ideas.
I urge your support of the Resolution.
Assemblywoman Gibbons:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore. I rise in support of SCR 25 honoring Dr. John Seinfeld, professor, scientist, and author. I applaud his efforts in the battle—the battle for clean air; air we can breathe; air we can live in. After reading his book, “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Pollution to Climate Change,” cover-to-cover, I am convinced that Dr. John Seinfeld would do justice to this body if he would investigate the pollutant problems on the fourth floor. Thank you for all you have done, and with the kidding aside we do applaud all your efforts. You have made this a safer place to live.
Resolution adopted unanimously.
SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 5 of the 69th Session, as amended by the 70th Session.
Resolution read second time and ordered to third reading.
general file and third reading
Assembly Bill No. 369.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Assemblymen Perkins, Hettrick, Carpenter, Von Tobel, Tiffany, Collins and Buckley.
Conflict of interest declared by Assemblyman Collins.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 369:
Yeas—40.
Nays—None.
Not Voting—Collins.
Excused—Freeman.
Assembly Bill No. 369 having received a constitutional majority, Mr. Speaker pro Tempore declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Senate.
GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF ASSEMBLY FLOOR
On request of Assemblyman Anderson, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Tracy Heath and Robert Evans.
On request of Assemblywoman Angle, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Mary Chandler, Stephen Sherman, Stephanie Sherman and Catheriane Sherman.
On request of Assemblywoman Cegavske, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Jack Schofield.
On request of Assemblyman Collins, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Kay Long, Edward Stacey and Mason Ross.
On request of Assemblyman de Braga, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Valerie Wyman, Michael Feuerstein and Martin Heim.
On request of Assemblyman Dini, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Jim Snyder, Audrey Snyder and Jerry Rosse, Dr. Claude K. Lardinois, Marsha Lindsey, Stephen G. Wells, John Seinfeld, Betty Seinfeld and Mylan Hawkins.
On request of Assemblywoman Giunchigliani, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Kathleen England.
On request of Assemblyman Nolan, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Monica Meehan and Christopher Meehan.
On request of Assemblyman Oceguera, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Kristin Stangeland.
On request of Assemblywoman Ohrenschall, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Harriet Trudell.
On request of Assemblyman Parks, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Kendelee Leascher.
On request of Assemblywoman Parnell, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Joni Kaiser.
On request of Assemblyman Perkins, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Robert D. Fisher.
On request of Assemblywoman Smith, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Paula Berkley, Marci Wehry-Harper, Kathilene Daniels, Mary Catherine Wilson and Kathleen Rand.
On request of Assemblywoman Tiffany, the privilege of the floor of the Assembly Chamber for this day was extended to Emmie Ahmadi, Nicole Buscher, Amber Garrity, Kristina Guadalupe, Brittany Burridge, Joseph Nacion, Stephanie Serhan, Nick Underwood, Daniel Hedrick, R.J. Albert, Bianca DeStout, Jonathan Gentile, Kevin Horton, Joseph Macaluso, Megan Orsulak, Nick Stoffel, Justin Van Burems, Bob Albert, Denise Gentile, Randy Burridge, Simon Serhan, Lee Underwood, Pam Hedrick, Fay Waller, Steven DeSout, Norma Guadalupe, Stephen Orsulak, Diane Underwood, Lisa Archie and Deborah Ingalls.
Assemblywoman Buckley moved that the Assembly adjourn until Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 11:00 a.m.
Motion carried.
Assembly adjourned at 1:11 p.m.
Approved:Richard D. Perkins
Attest: Jacqueline Sneddon