THE FIFTY-EIGHTH DAY
Carson City(Tuesday), April 3, 2001
Senate called to order at 11:17 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Roll called.
All present except Senator James, who was excused.
Prayer by the Chaplain, Pastor Sami Perez.
To the Great and Mighty I Am.
We ask that You touch each Senator—to strengthen them after the long sessions they have spent away from home, to touch their loved ones who have sacrificed their presence to settle things important to each person in Nevada giving a blessing in return.
We ask You to guide, direct and establish the Senators with charity and truth, as well as, with political and economic integrity—when debating the issues at hand.
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.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Madam President:
Your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 150, 151, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 281, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and re-refer to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 318, 367, 406, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 135, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Also, your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which was referred Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 17, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Be adopted.
Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 34, 36, 87, 93, 100, 172, 179, 241, 286, 336, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Also, your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 193, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and re-refer to the Committee on Finance.
Mark A. James, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Taxation, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 70, 124, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Mike McGinness, Chairman
MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, April 2, 2001
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Assembly Bills Nos. 223, 290, 310, 325, 344; Assembly Joint Resolution No. 4 of the 70th Session; Senate Bills Nos. 53, 199.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed, as amended, Assembly Bills Nos. 1, 54, 96, 110.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 26.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18.
Senator Rawson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Rawson and Wiener.
Senator Rawson requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Rawson:
The importance of this resolution is obvious to everyone. We all have great concern about the safety of our children. This is a meaningful step for us and encourages us to move forward in that process. I heartily recommend the resolution to everyone, and I think it speaks for itself.
Senator Wiener:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18 urges and encourages various agencies, educational institutions, organizations and persons to take certain actions to promote school safety and reduce juvenile violence.
The measure urges certain nonprofit organizations, businesses, state and local governmental agencies and school districts to implement or expand prevention and intervention programs to reduce the incidence of school and juvenile violence. Such approaches include programs concerning after school activities, alternative classrooms, anti-bullying, asset building, prevention of child abuse and neglect, community-based efforts, firearms, gangs, mentoring, parental involvement, peer mediation, research and evaluation and school staffing. The bill encourages community-wide efforts of support for all students to address the root causes of violence.
This measure was submitted by the Interim Commission on School Safety and Juvenile Violence. According to testimony, the Commission recognized that there are many promising strategies to reduce and treat youth violence. Further, it was emphasized that communities should have the flexibility to tailor programs to meet local needs. The Commission also believed that school violence is not simply a school problem and instead, is endemic to an entire community. The Commission members also stressed the need for collaboration among affected public and private entities. Acknowledging that programs and services required funding, the commission did not intend to place any unfunded mandates on local schools or districts. Rather, they encouraged expanding current programs or seeking creative funding opportunities.
When the Columbine High School incident occurred, I noticed a bill was being processed through the Assembly to create a commission on school safety and juvenile violence. I asked the majority leader if it would be possible for me to serve on the Commission as a Senate representative. Speaker Dini was very kind and appointed me to the Commission. I was even more privileged to serve as its chair. We were allowed three bills from the Commission, and one of them was the resolution we have here today.
In this resolution, we have focused all of our attention on the efforts to prevent or create early intervention programs for school violence. Many of the most prominent and most successful programs in the nation are included in this bill to help with early intervention and to help prevent school violence. It is hoped these programs will help guide the lives of children toward a positive direction in the school environment, in the home environment and in the community environment. The prevention programs include anti-bullying, after school programs and programs to include community collaborations. We took the ten best programs that have been proven successful and included them in the resolution. The chairman was kind enough in his remarks in committee that it has encouraged us to make an effort that people all over the State of Nevada learn about these so we can not only address violence when it occurs but to prevent it from occurring in our communities and in our schools.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
By Senators Mathews, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, McGinness, Neal, O'Connell, O'Donnell, Porter, Raggio, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Titus, Townsend, Washington, Wiener; Assemblymen Leslie, 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, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27—Memorializing distinguished civil rights leader Bertha Woodard.
Whereas, On September 16, 1999, Nevada lost an exceptional lady with a beautiful spirit of giving, Bertha Woodard, who lived with grace and dignity, and spent her time on Earth serving others; and
Whereas, Bertha Rosanna Sanford Woodard was born on January 25, 1916, to Samuel and Lillie Belle Sanford; and
Whereas, Bertha grew up in Pasadena, California, and attended Pasadena City College and Washoe Western School of Nursing; and
Whereas, After moving to Reno, Bertha worked as a nurse at Washoe Medical Center and served on the State Board of Nursing from 1967 until 1975, and, when she was not serving others in that capacity, she devoted herself to securing equality for minorities in Northern Nevada; and
Whereas, Her pioneering endeavors as a leader for civil rights are especially laudable because they came at a time when the City of Reno was referred to by some as the “Mississippi of the West,” not because it had a river running through it, but because the phrase made a statement about the social and political attitude toward race that existed in the area at that time; and
Whereas, In spite of the obstacles she faced, Bertha Woodard organized sit-ins and led picket lines to protest racism in Northern Nevada, and she is acknowledged as the matriarch of the Reno-Sparks chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, for which she served as President from 1971 until 1976; and
Whereas, A favorite reminiscence that reveals the courage and zeal which characterized Bertha Woodard is the charge, in the form of a picket line, that she led in Hawthorne when the only restaurant in town was inside a casino that denied service to persons of color, a charge that eventually caused the casino to change its policy; and
Whereas, To achieve her goals, Bertha organized the crusade to remove signs from Reno stores that read, “No Indians, Negroes or Dogs” and petitioned the Reno City Council in 1959 to lift a ban on minorities in local casinos when the Olympics were to be held in nearby Squaw Valley; and
Whereas, Bertha saw her diligent work come to fruition when she was invited in 1961 to attend the signing by Governor Grant Sawyer of the first civil rights bill in the State of Nevada, a bill that established the Nevada Commission on Equal Rights of Citizens, now known as the Nevada Equal Rights Commission; and
Whereas, The toil and industry of Bertha Woodard were instrumental in fostering the declaration of the Nevada Legislature in that bill which says that it is “the public policy of the State of Nevada to protect the welfare, prosperity, health and peace of all the people of the state . . . without discrimination, distinction or restriction because of race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry”; and
Whereas, In 1981, the University of Nevada, Reno, honored Bertha with the Distinguished Nevadan Award, an honor bestowed only upon those who have contributed in an outstanding manner to this state; and
Whereas, Friends remember Bertha Woodard’s generosity and boundless kindness, as recalled in a story by a former chapter president of the NAACP who tells of a time when he and a friend were unable to find a place to stay when traveling to a civil rights conference until they made a call to Bertha, who soon found them an available room in a motel; and
Whereas, Shortly before her death, Bertha was in the process of planning a project with a group of students at the University of Nevada, Reno, to compile a comprehensive history of the civil rights movement in Nevada, and true to the African proverb “Each time an elder passes, a library dies,” the rich, personal knowledge of Bertha Woodard will be sorely missed on any such project; and
Whereas, It would be inconceivable to overstate the contributions of Bertha Woodard to the people of this state and impossible to express the depth of gratitude she deserves; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the Nevada Legislature convey their sympathies and condolences to the family of Bertha Woodard and express their sincerest gratitude and gratefulness for her accomplishments; and be it further
Resolved, That this body honors the rich legacy Bertha Woodard left to the residents of this state and acknowledges the breaking down of barriers and the dramatic change in racial outlook that were the result of her strength and enthusiasm; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Bertha Woodard and to the Reno-Sparks chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Senator Mathews moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Mathews, Raggio and Washington.
Senator Mathews requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Mathews:
We came to Reno about the same time in the early 1950s. I knew her as the “Lady of Reno.”
She reminded me of you, Madam President, with every hair in place, looking like a fashion plate all of the time and with a quiet demeanor as she went about doing the business of her people. I am so blessed to have known her.
Bertha Woodard was a lady who fought for people to have choices. She fought the battle in this area so that we might have a choice of where we ate, where we slept and where we worked. It was Bertha Woodard who was one of the first charter members of the NAACP in Reno. She was a woman who quietly changed the climate of the Reno area. When she arrived in Reno, she found blacks working to make a difference in Nevada. She was not the first to work for that. We would be remiss without naming some of the others who worked so hard in that effort. There was Reverend Meadows, Mr. Gibson known as “Poor Butterfly” who was a trashman in the area and who ran for office and lost many times. Dolores Feimster was born in Reno and was a pioneer in the Civil Rights movement in Reno. There were many others including the Westbrooks, too many to name here, today, but it was Bertha who, in her quiet way, went about finding ways to change things. She sat at the lunch counters downtown. It was Bertha who made certain we could go there and have a cool drink after a day of shopping downtown.
I often think of the many great entertainers we had come to Reno. Sammy Davis Jr. and Louis Armstrong came to Reno, and when they did, they could not stay in the hotels such as the Mapes and the Riverside in which they played. They had to stay in other places to eat and sleep. They would go to Bill Bailey’s Harlem Club and to the New China Club. They would gamble in the New China Club and jam all night in the Harlem Club. It was Bertha Woodard who made certain they had a place to stay. People would stay with the families in town, and it wasn’t until the later days when Bill Harrah would have them stay at his ranch.
In her quiet way, Bertha helped when Willie Washington was trying to integrate the Reno Fire Department. She stayed in the background and made certain things moved smoothly for him, and even though he never became a fireman, we have black firemen today due to her efforts.
There was a time when churches in Reno were not integrated, and this problem still exists today. The most segregated place on Sunday morning is our churches. Bertha was not an AME she was a United Methodist. The only church she could go to was a “white” church. Thank God, the congregation and the pastor accepted her into their church. Though she attended all of the churches in town to share her message, it was the United Methodist Church who took her in. She was the only black in that congregation.
She was the first black nurse on the Board of Nursing in the State of Nevada. She was an LPN and graduated from Washoe Western School of Practical Nursing. She did so much work in Nevada to make a difference in our lives. I feel I am here today, sitting in this seat, because of Bertha Woodard. She stood by me, and when others were being endorsed during their campaigns, it was Bertha who said it was my time to be on the city counsel and my time to be in the State Senate. She encouraged me and worked in the background because she was not a woman who wanted to be out front. She worked quietly to do a lot for this city and for this State. We are going to miss Bertha and her quiet demeanor. I hope this resolution tells her family what Bertha meant to this State.
Senator Raggio:
I would be remiss if I did not rise and say something about Bertha Woodard. She was appreciated by all who lived in the Reno community. As a district attorney in Washoe County during the 1950s and 1960s, I can attest that Reno was having growing pains at that time. We were growing from a small city into a larger community. With that came many problems. Early in my career as a district attorney, I came into contact with both Bertha and her husband, Ulysses Woodard. They were of great value to me, and I counseled with her often on matters involving the black community in Reno. Some of those issues concerned persons charged with offenses, and she and Ulysses were both extremely helpful and interested. I agree with everything Senator Matthews has said about her. She was a distinguished lady, and they were a distinguished couple. They did a great deal to foster relationships in our community. She was probably the leading, not the loudest, but the leading force in doing away with the attitude that permeated not only Reno, but also the West.
As I became a legislator, I often spoke with her about some of the issues. I am particularly proud of our recognition of Martin Luther King Day. It was after the control of the Senate passed from the Democrats to the Republicans that this happened. She and her husband were extremely pleased, and I was pleased that we were able to do that and to remove what is thought to be one of the last remaining vestiges of the old attitudes.
She truly was a lady and was not only active in matters involving racial differences but was a leader in the community. Everyone sought her counsel. She was always willing to offer advice, to participate and to be of assistance. She left a great heritage. She was responsible for removing many of the barriers, spoken about, throughout the State. I join, today, in honoring a great Nevadan and a wonderful lady.
Senator Washington:
When I moved from Clark County to Washoe County, I heard Bertha Woodard’s name as it rang throughout the community. If you wanted to achieve anything in Reno, she was the person from whom you would seek an endorsement. She was charming, eloquent; she spoke highly of the community. You never heard a bad word from Bertha. She was always optimistic. She was a trailblazer. Her legacy preceded her. Her name still rings in the community. She worked diligently and untiringly with the NAACP trying to make a difference.
As a young man coming to Reno in the mid 1970s, it was nice to know that even though there were some inadequacies there, there was someone who was fighting to make a change and to make a difference. She affected the college campus community. I was one of a few minorities who attended the University at that time, and the impact she made upon that campus was noted. She made you feel a part of the community. Bertha was the type of person who if she had one chicken would stretch that chicken to two and a half chickens. Everyone went to eat there. She will be thoroughly missed in the community, and I feel honored to be here because of the work Bertha Woodard did. I honor her, today, and ask for your support of this resolution.
Resolution adopted.
Senator Mathews moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
Senator Mathews moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Motion carried.
Senate in recess at 11:46 a.m.
SENATE IN SESSION
At 11:49 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Quorum present.
By Senators Porter, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O'Connell, O'Donnell, Raggio, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Titus, Townsend, Washington, Wiener; Assemblymen Tiffany, 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, Von Tobel and Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28—Commending Stanley Fuke for his years of service to public schools and public school libraries in Clark County.
Whereas, Because the role of school libraries has changed dramatically since they first became part of schools in the late 19th century and especially since the introduction of technology after World War II, it takes someone like Stanley Fuke to face the constant challenge and make the commitment necessary to meet the growing needs of school libraries in the 21st century; and
Whereas, Stanley Fuke has been in the field of education for nearly four decades as a teacher, school librarian and library administrator and has been employed by the Clark County School District since 1976; and
Whereas, Stanley Fuke graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and furthered his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, from which he received a degree as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 1985; and
Whereas, An enthusiastic and vocal advocate for public school libraries and librarians, Stanley Fuke untiringly seeks extra funds to supplement the collections in school libraries and is a leader in the promotion of technology for the administration of the libraries and for the information resources they contain; and
Whereas, Stanley Fuke is an active member of professional library associations at the local, state and national levels and works continually to keep abreast of what is new in the field of library services; and
Whereas, Over the years, Stanley Fuke has developed an excellent working relationship with the public library system and has worked to rejuvenate the library science program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to ensure that school libraries in Nevada will have well-trained librarians to meet the needs of the school districts; and
Whereas, Publications authored or co-authored by Stanley Fuke include the Nevada School Library Standards, the Nevada School Network Governance and User Applications and the K-5 Library Curriculum Guide; and
Whereas, In 1997, Stanley Fuke was inducted into the Clark County School District’s Excellence in Education Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes persons who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to education in the community; and
Whereas, Other acknowledgments of the efforts of Stanley Fuke include the 1995 James McPhee Memorial Intellectual Freedom Award presented by the Clark County School Librarians Association in recognition of dedication to the cause of preserving freedom of expression and inquiry, and the 1993 Ambassador of Courtesy Award from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for excellent customer service; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 71st session of the Nevada Legislature hereby commend Stanley Fuke for his exceptional contributions to the Clark County School District; and be it further
Resolved, That the child-centered approach of Stanley Fuke in working to meet the literacy needs of all students is laudable and serves to inspire the residents of the State of Nevada to work with our schools and school libraries in every way possible to make them examples of excellence in the world of education; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Stanley Fuke, Administrative Specialist for Library Services in the Clark County School District.
Senator Porter moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Porter, Schneider and Titus.
Senator Porter requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Porter:
It is appropriate, today, to recognize Stan Fuke. This morning, we had a number of professionals in the room who are touching so many lives across the State of Nevada. Stan is the man who keeps it going. He is the administrative specialist for library services in Clark County. He has been in the field of education for four decades as a teacher, a school librarian and a library administrator. He has been employed by the Clark County School District since 1976. Stan is the voice for libraries in Nevada. Because of Stan, our libraries are on the cutting edge in technology in the State of Nevada. As was mentioned this morning by other members of this esteemed body, some of our librarians and some of our constituents were concerned about the Internet and technology and how it will impact our libraries and our young people.
Stan has not only helped in the Clark County School District library system, he has also been a leader in helping to rejuvenate the library science program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as well as in establishing a good working relationship with the public libraries. As in most professions, there are different areas of expertise between the public libraries and the school libraries. There are times when there needs to be a bridge built. Mr. Fuke has made certain that the bridge is there, and he continues to build it.
In 1995, he received the James McFee Memorial Intellectual Freedom award presented by the Clark County School Librarians’ Association. This award is given to a few special people in recognition to their dedication to the cause of preserving freedom of expression and inquiry. Stan never takes “no” for an answer. Tomorrow, in Senate Finance, we have Senate Bill No. 385 being heard. Senate Bill No. 385 has to do with all of the libraries in the State of Nevada, not only in the schools, but the public ones as well. It provides Internet access for all libraries across the State of Nevada. Stan has been on the forefront of this technology seeing that all of the libraries have this available for children and adults.
He has been involved with a new program in southern Nevada called “Electronic Books.” The future of libraries and books is in electronics. Some day, we will see small electronic books replace the textbooks and reference books we see today.
We can all remember how a good story at bedtime would take away all the troubles of the world. Stan believes that literacy and that having a book in every child’s hand will provide for them the security that they do not always feel in their lives.
I would like to end, today, with what the dormouse had to say. This is from a book called Lessons for Grownups from Children’s Books. Children’s books touch so many lives.
Dr. Suess, 1990
Oh, the places you will go. You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
Stan Fuke represents what Dr. Suess was talking about in 1990. I am honored to present this resolution to the Senate, and I appreciate the support of the members here today.
Senator Schneider:
I stand in support of this resolution. We discuss education a lot in our Chamber and in our committees. Stan is one of the finest educators in the State and one of the finest in the nation. Sometimes, we do not look positively at ourselves. We have some of the best people in the nation in our State. Stan is one of them.
He is a constituent of mine. Every time I run for election, he wonders why I am not there promptly with a sign for his yard. He wonders why I do not have enough signs on the street. He tells me I need to get out there and get working. I took him up on his offer four years ago. We went out into the streets to pound signs, and it was 110 degrees out. Stan said he never realized the desert was so hard. Stan worked hard that day, and I am not going to put him through that again. I realize his time is much better spent in the library with our children.
Senator Titus:
I, too, rise in support of this resolution which so appropriately honors Stan Fuke. I first met Stan through my sister who was teaching with him and has been a friend ever since. His wonderful works are aptly described in this resolution, but let me add that Stan is the kind of excellent and dedicated public servant who makes liars of those who say things like, “Well, it’s good enough for government work.” Stan has done more with less to improve education in this State than anyone I can name, and he truly deserves to be recognized and thanked by all of us.
Resolution adopted.
Senator Porter moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
Senator Porter moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Motion carried.
Senate in recess at 12:32 p.m.
SENATE IN SESSION
At 12:37 p.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Quorum present.
MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, April 3, 2001
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. 20.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 20—Declaring April 3, 2001, as Equal Pay Day in Nevada.
Whereas, In 1999, nearly four decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which requires employers to pay all employees equally for equal work, regardless of their gender, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in compensation because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex, the United States Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce estimated that women working full time still earned an overall average of only 72 cents for every dollar earned by men, while African-American women earned on average only 65 cents for every dollar earned by a Caucasian man, and while Hispanic women on average earned merely 52 cents for every dollar earned by a Caucasian man; and
Whereas, The disparity in compensation based on differing genders, races or national origins of employees has contributed to depressed wages for women and minorities and, although part of the wage gap results from differences in education and experience, a significant portion cannot be explained by differences in qualifications; and
Whereas, Educating women for better career paths, opening traditionally male jobs to women and reducing the segregation by gender found in some occupations increases earnings for women; and
Whereas, Eliminating such disparities in compensation raises self-respect in the workplace, strengthens the security of families and enhances retirement for hardworking citizens; and
Whereas, Each year, the National Committee on Pay Equity, founded in 1979, organizes the national observance of Equal Pay Day to raise awareness about unfair pay practices in America; and
Whereas, Tuesday, April 3, 2001, has been designated by the National Committee on Pay Equity as Equal Pay Day; and
Whereas, This date is significant because Tuesday is symbolic of the day of the week when women’s wages catch up with men’s wages from the previous week and April is the time of year when women’s wages catch up with men’s wages from the previous year; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the Legislature of the State of Nevada do hereby declare April 3, 2001, as Equal Pay Day in Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That state and local governments and private employers are urged to compensate all employees fairly, based on an objective evaluation of their jobs, considering factors such as the skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions required for each job; and be it further
Resolved, That public and private employers in this state that promote and support policies to ensure fairness and equity for their employees deserve to be recognized for their leadership in this effort; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Governor Kenny Guinn, each member of the Nevada Congressional Delegation and to Linda Chavez-Thompson, the Chair of the National Committee on Pay Equity.
Senator Mathews moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Mathews.
Senator Mathews requested that her remarks be entered in the Journal.
Today is Equal Pay Day designated by the National Coalition on Pay Equity.
The resolution before you, today, asks the Nevada Legislature to honor Equal Pay Day by urging employers, both public and private, to compensate all their employees fairly. It also suggests that recognition be given to Nevada employers that have already adopted policies that end pay disparities in their companies for all their workers.
Equal pay is the top priority issue for public policy for working women. In a recent poll conducted by Lifetime Television and the Center for Policy Alternatives, 93 percent of African-American women, 91 percent of Latinos, 90 percent of Asian-American women and 87 percent of white women said equal pay and benefits for women should be one of the top policy priorities in the United States.
Unequal pay is a real and persistent problem. Nearly 40 years have passed since passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963 and the ban on workplace discrimination in 1964, but women and minority workers still are victims of wage discrimination.
Unequal pay hurts families. Raising women’s wages would increase family income and cut poverty rates. Erasing pay discrimination could increase a family’s earnings by an additional $300 per month.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 4 of the 70th Session.
Senator O'Connell moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Affairs.
Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE
Assembly Bill No. 1.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 54.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 96.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Government Affairs.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 110.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 223.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Resources and Facilities.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 290.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 310.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 325.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 344.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion carried.
SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT
Senate Bill No. 144.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
Senate Bill No. 228.
Bill read second time.
The following amendment was proposed by the Committee on Government Affairs:
Amendment No. 60.
Amend section 1, page 1, by deleting lines 2 through 11 and inserting:
“227.100 1. The state controller may appoint a chief deputy in the unclassified service of the state, who may, in the absence of the state controller, do all acts devolving upon and necessary to be performed by the state controller, except the signing of state warrants and bonds. The state controller may also appoint in the unclassified service of the state:
(a) An assistant controller;
(b) A manager of operations for the southern region; and
(c) An executive assistant.”.
Senator O'Connell moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senator O'Connell.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, engrossed and to third reading.
Senate Bill No. 299.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
Senate Bill No. 312.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
Senate Bill No. 334.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
Senate Bill No. 401.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 7.
Resolution read second time and ordered to third reading.
GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING
Senate Bill No. 60.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 60:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 60 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 74.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 74:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 74 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 75.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senator Amodei.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 75:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 75 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 203.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Carlton and Coffin.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 203:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 203 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 222.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Care and Townsend.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 222:
Yeas—18.
Nays—McGinness, Porter—2.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 222 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 248.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senator Raggio.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 248:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 248 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 251.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 251:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Bill No. 251 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 20 of the 70th Session.
Resolution read third time.
Roll call on Senate Joint Resolution No. 20 of the 70th Session:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—James.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 20 of the 70th Session having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF SENATE FLOOR
On request of Senator Amodei, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Sally Edwards and Bernie Sease and the following students from the Pioneer High School and Opportunity High School: Claudia Alvarado, Lauren Curry, Andy Fisk, Erich Gloss, Christian Guyman, Ed Harper, Rachele Hernandez, Pam Lopez, Rafael Osagura, Savana Burns, Jarred Cherry, Jason Conn, Katie Doyle, Megan Duncan, Marlon Moncada, Sean Moore, Jesse Nicholson, Josh Peck, K. C. Pierson, Sarah Scanlon, David Taylor, Crystal Trujillo, Renee Willson; teacher: Julie Gabica; chaperones: Paul Murphy and Patricia Wentworth and the following guests from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada: Alicia Kingsley, Ashley Manke, Zachary Vannucci, Cisco Scarcella, Bryce Taylor, Audry Taylor, Josh Peacock, Jennifer Carson, Beth Hinton, Gabrielle Hinton, Miranda Moore, Jordan Lequerica, Briar Timmons, Chase Yeager, Megan Harrill, Devin Harrill, Amanda Osborne, Bryan Blanchard, Kurt Andersen, Eric McDaniel, Matt McDaniel, Cody McDaniel, Samantha Hilke, Philip Lee, Wesley Lee, Reina Lee, Lisa Shores, Sara Shores; staff members: Darren Hughes and Bridgett Bergan.
On request of Senator Care, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Robb L. Morss.
On request of Senator Carlton, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Emmy Bell and Dane Hines.
On request of Senator Coffin, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Andrea Anderson.
On request of Senator Jacobsen, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Susan Graf.
On request of Senator Mathews, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Martha Gould, Jan Gilbert, Bette Jensen, Pam Roberts, Margaret Palmer, Alicia Smally, Kayla Cothrun, Barbara Drake, Jill Winter, Louise Bayard-de-Volo, Janice Duminio, Alberta Rederford, Terry Holloway, Ken Dalton, Phyllis Kaiser, Toni Kaiser, Shayne DelCohan, Keith Johnson, Sandy McMasters, Ondra Berry, David Gamble and Bobbie Gang.
On request of Senator McGinness, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Beverly Sprague and Lucy Bouldin.
On request of Senator Neal, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Lonnie Feemster, Dolores Feemster, Cloyd Philips, Charletta Byrd and Jeanne Munk.
On request of Senator O'Connell, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Stan Colton.
On request of Senator O'Donnell, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Diane Baker.
On request of Senator Porter, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Laurie Porter, Stan Fuke and Aileen Horn.
On request of Senator Raggio, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Jim Clift, Margaret Clift and Sara F. Jones.
On request of Senator Rawson, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Maria A. Vieira Champlin.
On request of Senator Rhoads, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Laura Oki.
On request of Senator Schneider, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Marta Hall.
On request of Senator Shaffer, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Dan Gouker.
On request of Senator Titus, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Joan Kerschner.
On request of Senator Townsend, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Ellen Fockler.
On request of Senator Washington, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Ruby Woods Robinson.
On request of Senator Wiener, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Julie Doren.
On request of President Hunt, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Gilbert Hyatt who pioneered the microcomputer, personal computer and dynamic random access memory technologies. Mr. Hyatt has over 70 patents issued of basic inventions. His inventions gave birth to what has become commonplace on desktops, personal computers as well as cars, VCRs and even toasters.
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday, April 4, 2001 at 11 a.m.
Motion carried.
Senate adjourned at 1:17 p.m.
Approved:Lorraine T. Hunt
President of the Senate
Attest: Claire J. Clift