Meet Its Match

Remember this gem from last month? NRA lobbyist Brian Judy was very upset over Nick Hanauer donating to the pro-I-594 campaign in Washington State. So he went Godwin and slid down the rabbit hole into "libertarian populist" gibberish.



We can't help but wonder what Brian Judy is saying now. Nick Hanauer just delivered on a $1,000,000 pledge he made in June for I-594. And none other than Bill & Melinda Gates. The philanthropists and tech industry legends also donated $1,000,000 to the Yes on I-594 campaign.

Go ahead and queue the "libertarian populist OUTRAGE!!!!11111!!!111" now.

Also go ahead & ask this: If the NRA is so "OUTRAGED!!!" at the likes of Bill Gates, Nick Hanauer, and Michael Bloomberg spending on pro gun safety campaigns, why did the NRA spend over $25 million during the 2012 election cycle? Why have the NRA and its gun industry backers spent so heavily on lobbying and campaigning during the past couple of years?

We've seen the results of the NRA's political shopping spree here in Nevada and nationally. A basic background checks bill was filibustered in Congress last year. Similar state level background checks legislation was vetoed by Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) shortly after. And the NRA has bought itself "open carry orgies" across the nation, from Georgia to Idaho to Florida and elsewhere.



But now, the NRA wants us to believe it's concerned about the overflow of money in politics? That's funny. We don't remember the NRA endorsing any kind of state or federal campaign finance reform legislation. (That's because the NRA never has.)

So why are NRA mouthpieces now screaming at Bill Gates? They're just worried about the NRA finally meeting its match. And now that Nevada is now considering The Background Check Initiative, the NRA is running scared.

In an ideal world, none of this would be necessary. In an ideal world, we'd have a clean money system in place so that no well heeled special interest could buy oneself whatever policies one wants. Hell, in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to resort to ballot initiatives to make major policy changes!

But alas, we don't live in the ideal world. We live in the real world. Yet in this real world, the NRA has finally met its match. And that's why it's suddenly worrying about the big money rolling in for gun safety reform.

The Final Say

So it finally happened yesterday. The first signatures were recorded for the The Background Check Initiative. State Senator Justin Jones (D-Enterprise), Victory Baptist Church Pastor Robert E. Fowler, Former Clark County Sheriff Bill Young, and Safe Nest Community Relations Director Lisa Lynn Chapman were the very first Nevadans to sign at Victory Baptist Church in Las Vegas. And they'll be far from the last.

Nevadans for Background Checks must collect at least 101,667 signatures by November 11. This means they must collect at least 25,416 signatures from each of Nevada's Congressional Districts by November 11. That's one tall order.



However, that's an order they're confident they can fill. And why's that? Check the poll numbers. Well over 80% of Americans (and Nevadans) support expanding background checks for gun purchases. And for the first time ever, gun violence was one of the top concerns for American parents in the University of Michigan's national poll on children's health.

Of course, the actual campaign going forward may not be as easy as those national poll numbers suggest. After all, we know the NRA will do anything to stop even modest gun safety reform (and spend plenty of money while doing it). Despite the NRA's own history of supporting gun safety reform legislation in the past, it now even fights against expanding background checks.

Already, Senator Jones' Republican opponent is trying to have it both ways on gun violence. While she claims she "hasn't made up her mind yet" on The Background Checks Initiative, she stridently opposed SB 221 (last year's bill on which the new initiative is based) because she wanted to argue over the definition of "transfer". Apparently, she hasn't read the initiative. And apparently, neither she nor her political mentor will admit that someone who's planning to use firearms for nefarious purposes does not "volunteer" for background checks.

So it's finally happening. The Background Checks Initiative is moving forward. Signatures are now being gathered. And despite the best efforts of the usual G-O-TEA suspects to obfuscate and delay this matter to death, the people of Nevada are about to have the final say on this matter.

From #gunfail to #GunSense

Just over a year ago, the unthinkable happened. Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) vetoed SB 221. In doing so, Governor Sandoval denied Nevada the chance to close the back doors that dangerous criminals utilize to obtain dangerous weapons.

Since Governor Sandoval's veto of SB 221, we've experienced the consequences of that. We witnessed the embarrassing Reno Police back alley gun sale. We noticed the shocking near miss at Thunder Down Under on the Las Vegas Strip. We experienced the horrific slaughter of Las Vegas Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo and civilian Joseph Robert Wilcox. And these are just a few high profile examples of what happens when we allow so many lethal weapons to fall into all the wrong hands.

For years, we've been accustomed to the NRA calling the shots in Carson City. But now, there's a chance that may soon change.

And why's that? While we were in Reno last Friday, gun safety advocates filed a petition with the Secretary of State's Las Vegas office for a background checks initiative with language very similar to that of SB 221.

Last year, the NRA & its G-O-TEA allies pulled every political stunt imaginable to smother SB 221 to death. And when none of that worked, Governor Sandoval vetoed it. They won't be able to try any of that this time.

This time, especially should gun safety advocates collect enough signatures to submit this to the Legislature next year, they won't be able to do that. This time, they will have to address the actual policy at hand instead of hiding behind straw men. And this time, they will need to answer to the long trail of #gunfail that they've enabled by doing nothing as so many Nevadans were losing their lives to senseless gun violence.

There's a good chance that at least 101,667 Nevadans have had it with the rampant #gunfail. And there's a good chance even more are ready to do what Governor Sandoval refused to do, which is to allow for some #GunSense to start saving lives.

This Is @Everytown.

We've heard the talking heads argue over it. We've seen the polling on it. We've survived all the political spin of it. And that's because we know the real facts about it.

And of course, there's something else to keep in mind. While many politicians and media pundits treat gun violence like just another political football, it's very real to those who have personally experienced its very real carnage. For them, gun violence isn't theoretical. It isn't esoteric. It's quite real, and they're reminded of this painful reality every day.





Erica Lafferty is one of these people. She lost her mother last December. Her mother was a principal at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. She lost her life that fateful day, but Erica won't let her mother's legacy be forgotten. And she doesn't want others to meet the same fate her mother did.

This is why she showed up at the Grant Sawyer State Building yesterday. Is isn't just about Newtown. This happens at Everytown.



Newtown wasn't the last school shooting, far from it. Right here in Nevada, shots were fired at Sparks Middle School. And 8th grade math teacher Michael Landsberry lost his life that day. The Sparks Middle School Shooting was a horrific reminder that Sparks is @Everytown.

Of course, Las Vegas is also Everytown. On the same day Michael Landsberry lost his life while trying to protect others at Sparks Middle School, Kenneth Brown lost his life while trying to protect others at Ballys Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Also on the same day, two people were shot dead at an apartment complex in East Las Vegas.

This is why Teresa Crawford became a Champion of Change. And this is why showed up at Grant Sawyer yesterday. Far too many people here in Nevada suffered due to gun violence. This doesn't just happen "somewhere else". This happens in Everytown.



This is Everytown. #WeAreEverytown. Throughout Nevada, we've seen people lose their lives to senseless gun violence. But whenever we've had a chance to change this sorrowful reality, all we hear are the same old tired excuses.

We've heard so many speeches from politicians and spin from "industry" promoters over the years that we lost count about a year ago. No matter what Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) has said about theoretical legislation and philosophy of process, there's a real bill waiting for his cosponsorship. No matter what Senator Dean Heller (R) says about "legislation he supported recently", he can't hide his filibuster of basic background checks legislation. And no matter what Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) says about theoretical "threats to liberty", he can't spin away the fact that he was what stood in the way of Nevada taking even modest action on gun violence prevention when Congress wouldn't act on federal legislation.

No matter what they and other gun lobby backed politicians say about theories and concepts and philosophy, they can't change reality. Every town has had to grapple with gun violence. Every town knows someone who's lost loved ones to gun violence. And every town deserves a better future without worrying about becoming another headline grabbing armed battlefield.

This is @Everytown. And this is why we can't ignore the reality of gun violence.

#WeAreEverytown

It's happened here. It's happened there. It's truly happened everywhere.

Pretty much every town we can think of has felt the cruel pain of gun violence. No one is truly immune any longer. And nowhere really feels removed from this incredibly brutal and increasingly common reality.

And just like every other town that's experienced the brutal reality of gun violence, several Nevada towns have had to live through this awful pain of losing innocent lives before their time. In Reno, Michael Landsberry died because he showed up for work at Sparks Middle School. On the Las Vegas Strip, Kenneth Brown died because he was trying to prevent a greater massacre. Also on The Strip, Michael Boldon died because he was simply on the job in his cab.







Every town has been touched in some way by gun violence, including our towns here in Nevada. Family therapist and former educator Linda Cavazos talked about this at the Grant Sawyer State Building today. She's seen with her own eyes the tragic reality of gun violence here in Nevada, and she showed up at Grant Sawyer today to remind everyone that #WeAreEverytown.



@Everytown knows those who have lost loved ones to gun violence. State Senator Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas) happens to be one of those who lost a loved one to gun violence. She's also someone who's had to counsel those who have lost loved ones to gun violence. She went to Grant Sawyer today to remind everyone, including her colleagues in the Nevada Legislature, that #WeAreEverytown.



Last year, the Nevada Legislature passed SB 221 to expand background checks to prevent dangerous criminals from accessing dangerous firearms. Governor Brian Sandoval (R) infamously vetoed that bill... About 2 months after US Senator Dean Heller (R) joined the G-O-TEA filibuster to kill federal background checks legislation.

But even after Senator Heller filibustered Manchin-Toomey and Governor Sandoval vetoed SB 221, gun safety advocates refused to give up. They were sick and tired of seeing so much needless bloodshed across the state and the nation. They didn't want to see more towns and more families hurt by senseless gun violence. So they charged on.

And they're continuing this effort now. Over 50 grassroots advocates showed up at Grant Sawyer today. And they're pledging to keep up their work on gun violence prevention in the days ahead. They refuse to forget that #WeAreEverytown.

In the days to come, we'll be hearing about who has the most juice where. Who's up? Who's down? Who's raising the big money? Who's spending the big money?

However, this isn't just about political juice and big money. This about every town and every family who has been affected by gun violence. And this is about every town calling for change. Ultimately, #WeAreEverytown... And it's time for everyone to be heard.

The Price of Inaction

Over the weekend, the nation commemorated a tragic anniversary. It's now been a year since the Newtown Massacre. Communities across the nation came together to mark the saddening anniversary, and to pledge to continue working for a better future for our children.

There was even a vigil in Southern Nevada. It was a chance for the local community to reflect on what's happened in the past year.

Licensed family therapist and retired teacher Linda Cavazos says she sees more fear and generalized anxiety disorder in younger children. Some of them are fearful of violence in their schools, she says, so parents need to talk to their kids often to assess their physical and emotional needs.

"The danger signals are there. They're calling out for help, but sometimes people stick heads in the sand," Cavazos said. She added that parents know their kids best and should encourage them to seek mental health treatment if necessary.

"I find if you do not answer their questions (about violence in schools), they (the children) become more fearful because they don't know what's going on. Explain it to them as simply as you can," said Cavazos.

Imagine hearing gunshots at your school. Wouldn't that be frightening? It certainly was for the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School... And for the students at Sparks Middle School.

Keep in mind that gun violence is not some faraway concern. It regularly occurs here, too. It happened in Sparks. It's happened several times this year on the Las Vegas Strip. And it continues to endanger communities across this state.

Yet when Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) had the opportunity to do something to protect Nevada's kids, he just ran away. And when Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) had the opportunity to take steps to keep dangerous weapons away from dangerous criminals, he made excuses. And when the Nevada Legislature passed S 221 in an attempt to compensate somewhat for Congress' failure to pass the most basic gun safety measures, Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) vetoed it and attempted to cover it up with legalese mumbo jumbo. They all had the chance to do something, but they chose to do nothing instead.

And now, we're all paying the price of inaction. And we all must relive the memories of horrific incidents of gun violence. And we all must continue to bury those who passed "before their time". The price of inaction is turning out to be quite steep.

Bloody FAIL

Yesterday, we uncovered the horrific discovery Jill Schaller made when she learned that a Reno police officer sold a gun to her severely mentally ill son. This was illegal. But because the officer failed to perform a background check on Schaller's son, we're only learning of this now.

This harrowing tale seems to be reviving talk of Governor Brian Sandoval's (R-NRA) veto of the SB 221 state background checks bill last month, and of US Senator Dean Heller's (R-NRA) decision to join the G-O-TEA veto of an even more modest federal background checks bill. This is forcing Nevadans to revisit the frightening reality of the easy path to gun violence here and nationally. The RGJ's Ray Hagar posted a story earlier today on the renewed talk of gun safety in light of the Reno police scandal.

“This incident shows exactly why Gov. Sandoval made a dangerous and life-threatening mistake to veto SB221,” said activist Teresa Crawford of ProgressNow Nevada. “This is exactly why we need legislation like this here in Nevada to keep guns out of the wrong hands. I hope now he understands why we need this legislation.” [...]

“The background check provision is really important,” [State Senator Justin] Jones [D-Enterprise] said. “In this case, it is clear that if the seller had engaged in a background check and the records had been properly transferred to the Washoe Court, then the transfer would have not gone forward.

Jones noted his bill would require that those records be transferred in five days.

“We have a great need to make sure our records are transmitted from our courts quicker to our Department of Public Safety,” Jones said.

But instead, Governor Sandoval vetoed SB 221. And Senator Heller filibustered the Manchin-Toomey bill. And Reps. Joe Heck (R-?!) and Mark Amodei (R-Where This Occurred) continue their pitch perfect silence on the whole matter.

OK, so Nevada Republicans want to pretend that gun violence is not a big deal. Try explaining that to the families of children murdered with guns.

“We’ve demonstrated that we’ve made a lot of progress in reducing youth violence, but the study also points out that this progress is slowing and homicide is still a leading cause of death,” Corinne David-Ferdon, a behavioral scientist in the CDC’s Violence Prevention and Injury Center, told Reuters. “It’s important we get these programs in place early in young people’s lives to help disrupt the development of violent attitudes and behavior in early childhood and middle childhood.”

In the past several months, particularly after a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary killed 20 young students and seven adults, there has been a renewed push to protect children’s health by preventing gun violence. Thousands of Americanshave gone onto be killed by guns after the Sandy Hook tragedy, including many very young children accidentally shot by firearms kept in their homes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — the nation’s largest group of pediatricians, representing over 600,000 doctors across the country — has pressured Congress to enact stricter policies to combat gun violence, pointing out that guns are the leading cause of death among minors. But the NRA isn’t particularly interested in efforts to frame gun safety as a public health issue. The powerful lobbying group actively works to discredit the AAP’s work around gun control, and has blocked scientific research into the health effects of gun violence for years.

For all the rhetoric from the NRA and its favorite politicians of "protecting Constitutional rights", they seem to care nothing about the right of America's kids to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The families of Trayvon Martin, Janay Mcfarlane, Christina Green, and Newtown, Connecticut, know this all too well. So why do we continually allow the likes of the NRA and ALEC call the shots on gun safety laws?

Something must change. Our children continue to pay the price of inaction. This is just one EPIC FAIL that can't be ignored.

Compounding Tragedies

Nearly three days have passed since the verdict was issued in the George Zimmerman trial. Yet even now, protests in honor of the late Trayvon Martin continue nationwide.

After legendary soul singer Lester Chambers dedicated a song to Trayvon Martin, someone jumped onto the stage and attacked him. Stevie Wonder has already vowed to stop performing in Florida and other "Stand Your Ground" states. And major rallies continue across the nation.

Since Saturday night, we've been forced to pay attention to the intersection of racism and radically flawed gun policies. ALEC, the NRA, and the rest of "Tea Party, Inc." pushed hard for "Stand Your Ground" in Florida and in other states. And as a result, George Zimmerman is a free man again despite admitting he shot Trayvon Martin dead.



This is the brutal reality of our broken gun policies. This is what happens when we allow the likes of the NRA and ALEC to eviscerate even the most basic of gun safety laws. This is what we've come to.

And it's not as if we're immune to this here in Nevada. In fact, we know all too well here in Nevada what happens when "Tea Party, Inc." and the gun lobby get their way. Tragedy occurs. Case in point: the latest scandal to hit the Reno Police Department.

The mentally ill 19-year-old who bought a gun from an on-duty Reno police sergeant was found by a judge last year to have a mental disability, which makes him prohibited from possessing a firearm under state and federal law, a Reno Gazette-Journal investigation found. [...]

Sgt. Laura Conklin did not ask for a background check when she sold the young man the firearm on July 2. Those checks are not required for private party sales under state or federal law.

The case has re-ignited the debate about background checks for private gun sales. The Nevada Legislature argued during the 2013 session about the need for background checks for all sales and passed a measure requiring them, but Gov. Brian Sandoval vetoed the bill, saying it would “erode Nevadans’ Second Amendment rights.”

Adding to the controversy, Washoe District Court clerk Joey Orduna Hasting said late Monday that they made a mistake in their coding system and the man’s case was not sent to the Nevada Department of Public Safety to be included the background check system. That means his name has been missing from the list for more than a year.

Oh, yes. That's right. A Reno police officer actually sold a weapon to someone who wasn't supposed to own it! Apparently, this is the kind of "freedom" that Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) wanted to protect when he vetoed SB 221 last month. And apparently, this is the kind of "freedom" that Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) felt compelled to protect when he joined the G-O-TEA veto of an even more modest federal background checks bill in April.

These are the consequences we face for inaction on gun safety reform. A police officer can sell a firearm to someone who had already been found unsuitable for firearms ownership. A man can "legally" shoot to death another young man because "he looked suspicious" (read: black). A man can open fire in an elementary school and gun down twenty children & six adults to death. And throughout this state and across this country, many more people can meet their untimely demise. And we can thank the NRA, ALEC, and the rest of "Tea Party, Inc." for these compounding tragedies.


Do we really want more?

Craven Veto

Ever since the 77th session of the Nevada Legislature came to an end earlier this month, we've been monitoring the final decision on SB 221. State Senator Justin Jones' (D-Enterprise) bill to expand background checks for gun purchases made online and at shadowy gun shows. Just moments ago, Senator Jones tweeted this.

Jones4Nevada: Disappointed with Gov. @BrianSandoval's veto of common sense legislation to keep guns out of hands of felons & mentally ill. #nvleg #SB221

Perhaps it was inevitable. Perhaps he's just unable (and/or unwilling) to get it. Whatever the case, Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) just vetoed SB 221. Oh, and he couldn't have picked a better time to do so.

mikeconlow: Desperate for attention, #NV Gov Sandoval vetoes background checks on eve of Sandy Hook 6 mo anniv. Stay classy, Gov #nvleg #NoMoreNames

Tomorrow will be the six month anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. 26 people died that day. And just last Friday, we saw a college massacre unfold in Santa Monica, California. And apparently, Governor Sandoval feels it's important to continue to allow dangerous criminals easy access to dangerous weapons so they can commit more massacres.

Sorry, but I couldn't candy coat this. That's all this comes to. And we can thank Governor Sandoval and his craven veto of SB 221 for that.

He Still Doesn't Get It.

Earlier today, we were wondering what (else) it would take to make Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) reconsider his opposition to SB 221. It's the most basic gun safety reform, as it just expands background checks for gun purchases. It's supported by a broad supermajority of Nevadans, yet Governor Sandoval looks dead set to veto it.

Amid thousands of phone calls to his office, Governor Brian Sandoval said he will reject a measure expanding instances of when background checks must be done for gun-buyers."

I think it was as of yesterday just for that one day it was twenty-eight thousand (callers) opposed to the bill and approximately seven thousand for the bill, yes I do intend to veto the bill," Sandoval said.

Senate bill 221 cleared the legislature with Democratic support. Sandoval, a Republican, called the measure "overly broad."

What is he talking about? This specific bill has 72% support among Nevada voters, while the policy of expanding background checks has 86% support. Just because the NRA freeped his phone survey (with his implicit permission) does not give Governor Sandoval the ability to wipe away all the real, scientific polls showing strong support for SB 221.

And then, there's the policy behind this political melodrama. We're talking about expanding background checks so that dangerous criminals can't go online or to a gun show and buy dangerous weapons. That's all, folks. How on earth is this "overly broad"?

Governor Sandoval is even trying to pull a Dean Heller in praising the very policies he's planning to veto. Who is he kidding? He still doesn't get it.

What Else Does He Need to Know?

Just before I left for Orange County, I saw news broke of yet another mass shooting. And once the plane touched down in Long Beach, it didn't take long for me to see even more details on what had just occurred. No one expected Santa Monica College to become the backdrop for the next horrific American massacre.

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

Five people died in the attack, and many more were injured. Here is just one of the many tragic stories from Friday's massacre.



We now know the suspected shooter was heavily armed. And he used an AR-15 semi-automatic assault weapon. Even though California banned civilian possession and use of this weapon long ago, the suspected shooter nonetheless found a way to obtain it.

So what happened? He likely purchased an AR-15 originally from out of state. This is far from uncommon, as we've discussed here before. We know Christopher Dorner frequented Lock N' Load in Henderson before embarking on his Southern California shooting rampage.

Because it's so easy to access dangerous weapons in Nevada, dangerous criminals go to Nevada (and to other states with lax gun laws) to find the weapons they want.

Against this backdrop, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R) holds the fate of the most basic gun safety reform (expanded background checks for gun purchases) in his hands. During the 77th session of the Nevada Legislature, State Senator Justin Jones (D-Enterprise) pulled an amazing feat in finding just enough of his colleagues to pass SB 221. When was the last time the Legislature passed a bill the NRA pushed against?



But now, Governor Sandoval is threatening to veto this simple, common sense bill. Is the NRA's seal of approval actually that important? Is it more important than saving lives?

We don't know yet where the AR-15 used in the Santa Monica Massacre was purchased. We do, however, know that many criminals go to Nevada to access dangerous weapons used in crimes committed in Nevada, in California, and elsewhere. What else does Governor Sandoval need to know?

How Does This Make Any Sense?

Ever since the Nevada Legislature adjourned sine die, we've been keeping a close eye on what Governor Brian Sandoval (R) may soon do to SB 221, the background checks gun safety bill. The Governor's Office quickly set up a hot line for NRA members to freep to gauge support for SB 221. And now, the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Demand Action campaign is responding with this.

‏@RalstonReports: Mayors Against Illegal Guns using patient-dumping controversy in web ads to pressure @GovSandoval on gun bill. Wow

Oh, yes. That's right. They just went there.

While Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital is on track to regain accreditation, several California municipalities are still threatening law suits over recent "dumps" of Nevada mental health patients into their communities. And the State of Nevada is still not investing what's needed to fix our public health infrastructure so that this never happens again. And on top of all this, the fact remains that it's easier for the severely mentally ill to access dangerous weapons in this state than access the health care they need.



Think about that. It's easier here in Nevada to buy guns than it is to access the health care one needs. And while Governor Sandoval and Republican legislators claim to care about mental health care, they've (again) failed to properly fund it.

So now, a bill that simply expands background checks on gun sales to gun shows, online sales, and other "private, back room" sales sits on Governor Sandoval's desk. If he vetoes it, then the seriously mentally ill, along with dangerous criminals, can continue to easily access dangerous firearms. We'll let them have dangerous guns, but not health care.

How does this make any sense?

One Last Bout of #NVLeg Drama (from @GovSandoval)

So it's over. It's finally over. After a shocking 27th special session, the Nevada Legislature finally adjourned sine die.

Yet with that being said, the drama isn't completely over yet. After all, all these bills now sit at Governor Brian Sandoval's (R) desk.



He's expected to sign his budget. After all, he got over 90% of what he wanted there. We the People will have to wait until next year to change that (but at least we will finally have the opportunity then).

Governor Sandoval is also expected to sign SB 123 (aka NVision) into law very soon. After all, that's also his bill. And ultimately, a final twist from Warren Buffett added to the overwhelming bipartisan momentum pushing NV Energy's plan to ditch coal and invest in renewable energy (and some natural gas) over the finish line

However, there's been more intrigue surrounding other bills. For one, there's SB 374. Governor Sandoval had been playing coy on what he'd do to the bill authorizing medical marijuana dispensaries. But now, various media outlets are reporting he will sign the bill into law. And considering the broad bipartisan backing of this proposal to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries, this isn't too much of a surprise.

And then, there's SB 221. The (background checks) gun safety bill finally passed after a bout of last minute drama. But now, Governor Brian Sandoval continues threatening a veto. Never mind that 86% of Nevadans have supported expanding background checks for gun purchases. Never mind that 72% of Nevadans have specifically said they want SB 221 to become law. And never mind that this bill and this policy can actually save many Nevadans' lives. In the coming hours, he will make the final call on whether the NRA's seal of approval matters more to him than saving Nevadans' lives.

And then, there's the result of the $25,000 27th special session. But of course, Governor Sandoval will sign those bills into law. After all, he approved the $25,000 27th special session just before the @ss crack of dawn just so those bills could finally pass!

So, today may finally be sine die for #NVLeg... But we await one last bout of legislative drama from Governor Sandoval's office. Good times... (Or not.)

86% Matters

That was fast. Just moments ago, the Assembly finally passed SB 221. The final vote was 23-19. Assembly Democrats James Ohrenschall (D-Sunrise Manor), Richard Carrillo (D-Paradise), Skip Daly (D-Sparks), and Mike Sprinkle (D-Sparks) joined all Assembly Republicans in voting against the bill to expand background checks for firearms purchases, but there were ultimately still enough Democratic votes to pass it.

So now, the bill is heading to Governor Brian Sandoval's (R-NRA) desk. And he continues threatening to veto the bill. So now, the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Demand Action campaign is fighting back and taking to the airwaves (again).





Keep in mind that the policy of expanding background checks for gun purchases has 86% support here in Nevada. And it's officially passed the full Nevada Legislature today. ProgressNow Nevada made sure to remind everyone of both important facts.

“Today the Nevada Legislature showed courage and leadership by passing SB 221, which will require common sense background checks to be performed on almost all gun sales in Nevada.

Some people don’t know this, but right now in Nevada someone with a criminal record can go to a gun show and legally buy as many guns as they want without passing a background check. Most people think that type of sale is already illegal, but it’s not. SB 221 will make our communities safer by closing that loophole and requiring a background check for this and other types of private purchases.

We must now turn to Governor Sandoval to see if he will stand with the 86 percent of Nevadans who support a stronger background check system or if he will stand with the extreme right-wing element that opposes it.”

So do Governor Sandoval and the legislators who voted against SB 221 really want to continue this? Without universal background checks, this happens in Nevada, too.





The weapons purchased at these gun shows and online are then used in crimes here in Nevada. These weapons are also smuggled into states (like California) with stricter state level gun laws. And as long as Congress fails to act on a national background checks law, criminals will continue to enjoy easy access to weapons here in Nevada.

Is this what we really want? No, it's not... At least not for 86% of us. So does Governor Sandoval really want to ignore 86% of his constituents? Does he actually want to send the message that he prioritizes the NRA seal of approval over the safety of all Nevadans?

Lives on the Line

As #NVLeg #77 finally comes to a close today, we're monitoring all the insane, nonsensical drama surrounding what should be the common sense of SB 221. Last we checked this morning, it was drowning in committee. But moments ago, it finally got a life preserver at the very last minute.

The intense lobbying on the gun bill paid off a short time ago when the background checks measure, SB 221, got out of Assembly Judiciary with Olivia Diaz, who had been waffling, voting yes to get it to the floor. It will now likely pass the Assembly and be vetoed by the governor. And then we will see what Mayors Against Illegal Guns does in 2014.

Yet with that being said, Assembly Members James Ohrenschall (D-Sunrise Manor) and Richard Carrillo (D-Paradise) joined all the Republicans on the Assembly Judiciary Committee in voting against the bill. We discussed earlier Ohrenschall's excuse for opposing the bill. And now, ProgressNow Nevada is responding.

“As with any new law there would have to be some public education,” said Brian Fadie, Executive Director of ProgressNow Nevada, “however SB 221 is unique in that the issue and the bill itself has been extensively covered by media outlets throughout Nevada and in different languages.”

Spanish media specifically has covered SB 221 almost weekly and just last week both Telemundo and Univision in Las Vegas ran stories on Nevada’s gun laws. Telemundo Las Vegas was even present at the bill’s hearing last Tuesday in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

“There are multiple bills that have passed through the Nevada Legislature that are more difficult to understand than SB221 and have not had anywhere near the coverage and attention this bill has received,” said Brian Fadie. “86 percent of Nevadans want expanded background checks and they deserve a vote from the members of the Nevada Assembly.”

And I personally saw the cameras at last week's SB 221 hearing. English and Spanish language media have been covering this issue relentlessly. Perhaps that's why Assembly Member Olivia Diaz (D-North Las Vegas) finally came around to pass the bill out of committee?

Meanwhile, Assembly Members Carrillo and Ohrenschall actually sided with Michele Fiore (R-Las Vegas) in rejecting expansion of background checks to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals. Is the NRA's seal of approval (and blood money campaign cash) truly that much more important than saving lives? Really? Is a $250 check worth more than saving innocent people's lives?

Even though it's now out of committee, SB 221 still faces a rocky road ahead. It will likely pass the Assembly, but Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) continues his veto threats. And the lives of many Nevadans remain on the line. The lives of many Nevadans of many ethnicities in many communities throughout the state remain on the line. And yet, the Governor and several legislators who are supposed to be representing and serving these people don't seem to care about that.

Yep, this is how we're ending the 77th session of the Nevada Legislature.

Finally, Ready for Change?

This spring, we've seen all sorts of tension, drama, brilliance, achievements, breakthroughs, madness, setbacks, meltdowns, and more in Carson City. We've even seen this. Oh, and we've even seen this.

Late last month, many progressives were stunned and upset when AB 230 encountered a shocking demise. How on earth could such common sense policy to protect teens in school encounter such a ghastly demise in the Nevada Legislature? Today, we have another #FAIL to add to the #NVLeg pile as SB 221 looks to be encountering a similarly shocking and ghastly demise.

“I’m worried about the penalty,” said Assemblyman James Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas. “It worries me how we inform the public so unwitting people don’t become criminals.”

Lobbyists working on the bill said that legislators like Ohrenschall are worried that Southern Nevada’s large bilingual population might not understand the bill if it becomes law, and people might inadvertently be punished for their ignorance.

The bill already passed the Senate with 11 Democrats in favor of Senate Bill 221 and 10 Republicans voting against it. [...]

Meanwhile, [SB 221 sponsor Justin] Jones [D-Enterprise] moved half of the bill into another bill in an amendment, a move that could acknowledge the background check provisions may fail.

Jones’ bill would require speedier mental health reporting to proper federal authorities. That aspect of the bill could make it more difficult for the mentally ill to acquire guns, which earned broad bipartisan support. Gov. Brian Sandoval also is in favor of the reporting requirements.

Sandoval earlier said he would veto the background check bill.

Jones amended Senate Bill 38 late Sunday night in a quick meeting between senators and members of the Assembly, said Sen. Mark Hutchison, R-Las Vegas.

Apparently, there is one key difference here. At least this time, we have a better idea as to how and why SB 221 has stalled. Assembly Member James Ohrenschall is concerned about clogging up criminal courts over ignorance. And a few other Assembly Democrats have expressed concerns about certain provisions in the bill. And they, in turn, have unintentionally strengthened Republicans' hands as they move to kill the bill. So now, Senator Jones is left searching for ways to salvage the most universally accepted provisions of an already milquetoast bill with 86% public support.

This seems so pathetic. But sadly, this is reality in Carson City. This is the final day. And with not much time left and an absent Democratic Senator, there's virtually no room left for error today.

So of course, we're stuck with yet another dead bill where there should have been advancement on good policy. Meanwhile, the state budget looks to be moving just in the nick of time. Apparently, the rude awakening hasn't been enough to shake Carson City out of its failed status quo.

However, that doesn't require us to stay there. As we've discussed here before, We the People will finally have our "Carpe Diem moment" for tax reform next year as SJR 15 (mining tax reform) and The Education Initiative (IP 1, corporate margins tax) head to the ballot box. Next year, we will have the opportunity to finally do what the Governor refuses to do and the Legislature can't manage to do.

So where does this leave us? Go West, young people. Remember when we discussed the looming prospect of "Californication"? Guess what... We're here.

The more Nevadans learn about how multinational mining corporations have abused our tax code to pay virtually nothing for profitting off our natural resources, the angrier we get. And if the decision on how much to tax them moves from the Legislature to "we the people", the mining industry will probably have to kiss its sweetheart deal goodbye.

This probably also explains why "big bid'ness" power brokers (like Monte Miller?) fear the AFL-CIO's margin tax on big business. In addition to the mining industry, other big multinational corporations like to set up "on shore tax shelters" here in Nevada to avoid paying taxes. But really, what do we get out of it? After seeing them profit while Nevada families suffer from decaying schools and inadequate transportation infrastructure, Nevada voters may also be ready to finally make the big guys pay their fair share.

So in the end, Pete Ernaut may have a valid point in stating the problems with "ballot box budgeting" and waging electoral campaigns on tax policy. However when the Legislature won't tackle this, someone has to. And when Nevada is in real need of real reform that finally moves our tax code into the 21st century, we can't blame citizen activists for wanting to take matters into their own hands. And since Ernaut's own BFF in the Governor's Mansion encouraged obstruction on tax reform in Carson City last year, he should have realized that he helped bring "Californication" of Nevada policy making here.

Oh, yes. That's right. I just went there... Again.

So California, here we are. We've already been experiencing the failures as state government has gradually been breaking down and extreme ideology has taken the place of good faith negotiation. And because the Nevada Legislature only meets for 120 days every two years, this problem is exacerbated here.

But can we finally begin reaping the rewards of success? Probably. We the People just have to make it happen ourselves. This involves some "ballot box budgeting" now, but it will probably also mean serious structural reform of state government later.

After all, the failure of common sense policies espoused by the likes of AB 230 and SB 221 should be embarrassing to the powers that be in Carson City. As they quickly approach sine die, do they really want to "declare victory"? Do they really want the failed status quo to continue? Or are they ready for change?

Remember why bills like SB 221 and AB 230 died. Remember why we will be experiencing some serious "ballot box budgeting" next year. And remember why we can't afford any more failed status quo. I increasingly sense We the People are ready for change. Now, Carson City needs to be.

Time Left for Sanity?

As the 77th session of the Nevada Legislature comes to a close, the future of SB 221 still looks to be in limbo. Amidst all the last minute budget drama, it's still waiting to be taken to the Assembly floor. And of course, Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) is still threatening to veto this bill to expand background checks on gun purchases.

This is why the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Demand Action campaign brought a special guest to Carson City yesterday.



And that's not all. Mark Kelly also took to "Ralston Reports" last night to make the case for gun safety reform.



Let's remember that he and his wife (Gabrielle Giffords) have experience on matters of gun violence. They know guns. They've owned guns. And Former Congresswoman Giffords was shot and critically injured with a gun.

So why won't Governor Sandoval listen to Mark Kelly? And why won't he listen to the 86% of Nevadans who support expanding background checks? Is petty politics really more important than saving lives?

That's the big question this weekend. And there's not much time left to answer. As Carson City devolves into madness in the final hours of #NVLeg #77, is there enough time to salvage some sanity on gun safety?

Push-back

On Tuesday, the Assembly held a very heated and emotionally charged hearing on SB 221. Within hours of that hearing, Senator Michael Roberson (R-Henderson) dropped SB 520. It's supposed to be the Republican answer to Senator Justin Jones' (D-Enterprise) background checks bill. And of course, SB 520 doesn't expand background checks for gun purchases (while SB 221 does).

Funny enough, neither Senator Roberson nor Governor Brian Sandoval (R) wants to discuss the details of SB 520. And of course, they don't want to explain why they want to kill SB 221. And this is why the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Demand Action campaign is taking to TV airwaves.



The Nevada Republican Party has joined with the NRA and various "tea party" groups to kill SB 221. And of course, Governor Sandoval and Senator Roberson are deferring to them over the 86% of Nevadans who want expanded background checks.

So now, they're getting push-back. And that's not all. We'll also see a very important arrival in Carson City tomorrow.

RalstonReports: Just got robocall from Mark Kelly, who will be in Carson City on Friday to push gun control bill, telling me to call my assemblyman. #nvleg

Remember Mark Kelly?



Get ready for some serious push-back this weekend.

Cut & Run

Yesterday, the Nevada Legislature witnessed another heart-wrenching round of testimony on SB 221, Senator Justin Jones' (D-Enterprise) background checks gun safety bill. But then, all of a sudden, Senator Michael Roberson (R-Henderson) dropped SB 520 just minutes after the SB 221 hearing concluded. He and Governor Brian Sandoval (R) were hoping to create the appearance of "doing something on gun safety" while actually killing SB 221 in a politically palatable way. Last night, Jon Ralston recapped all the action on his show.



So what happened? The Las Vegas Sun's Andrew Doughman has more 411 on what went down.

Jones introduced his bill on the fourth day of the 120-day legislative session and has been talking to the governor’s office about the bill during the past months. But talks stalled last week with the governor opposing mandatory private party background checks and Jones unwilling to strike what he called the “key” point of the bill.

Jones was displeased with Roberson for introducing the bill on the 114th day of the legislative session.

“It’s politically craven for Sen. Roberson to decide on day 114 that he suddenly cares,” Jones said.

Roberson had earlier offered an amendment to Jones’ bill that was nearly identical to SB 520. That effort failed on a party line vote.

While representatives from the governor’s office said Jones has been “extremely cooperative and forthcoming,” Sandoval was “having a lot of difficulty” with agreeing to the background check provisions of Jones’ bill, said Gerald Gardner, Sandoval’s chief of staff. [...]

“There is currently no plan to hear Roberson’s bill,” said Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee to which the Senate referred Roberson’s bill.

And we've already been going into detail on why this is happening. Again, it comes down to petty politics. Never mind that 86% of Nevadans demand universal background checks on firearms purchases. And never mind that the current loophole infested system allows for dangerous criminals and the severely mentally ill to access firearms. Because the NRA refuses to accept any real gun safety reform, Governor Sandoval won't let it pass. Instead, he and Senator Roberson are pursuing their own sham bill.

They just don't want us to recognize their sham bill for what it truly is. Why else would the typically loquacious Senator Roberson cut and run from a KSNV/News 3 reporter?



Need I say more?

The Buck Stops There ( @GovSandoval's Office, That Is).

Wow. That was fast. Just this morning, we witnessed the Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing for SB 221, Senator Justin Jones' (D-Enterprise) gun safety bill. And not too long after the hearing, some Carson City gossip hounds and pot stirrers were already declaring the bill "dead on arrival". It also didn't help that Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) began hinting at "The V Word".

Then, all of a sudden, we saw this.

.@GovSandoval on GOP gun alternative: "I want to commend Senator Roberson for his attention to this important issue..." #nvleg #choreography

Remember when Senator Michael Roberson (R-NRA) pulled this stunt last week?

We even saw poison pill amendments, including one from Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson making the background checks provision voluntary instead of mandatory. Ummm, hello... Will anyone trying to purchase firearms and ammunition for nefarious, criminal purposes voluntarily submit to a background check? File that in the "Totally Defeats the Purpose" Department.

What was once Senator Roberson's proposed poison pill amendment to SB 221 now has its own bill number: SB 520. And seriously, Senator Roberson and Governor Sandoval may be inhaling a bit too much 420 (without even waiting to pass SB 374 into law!) if they think this act of political convenience can magically make Nevada's gun violence problems go away.

Funny enough, several of the 21st Century Know Nothings who testified against SB 221 this morning railed against the mental health portion of the bill along with the universal background checks provision. And that's not the first time this has occurred. (Thanks for the reminder, Senator Debbie Smith [D-Sparks].) Yet all of a sudden, Senator Roberson and Governor Sandoval are champions of better mental health care? I wonder what James Flavy Coy Brown, Monica, and/or any other mental health patient dumping victims have to say about that!

We all know what this is truly about: Governor Sandoval wants to remain in the gun lobby's good graces, yet he also wants the appearance of "doing something on gun safety". So all of a sudden, his "new old BFF" Senator Roberson has all too conveniently dropped SB 520 at the very last minute. Governor Sandoval can (once again) have his political cake and eat it, too!

Or can he? Senator Jones refuses to let his bill go down without a fight.

.@Jones4Nevada says he won't strip out background checks provision to get bill passed. Says leadership in Assem. will move it. #nvleg

And as long as the Assembly passes SB 221 within the next six days, the bill will still reach Governor Sandoval's desk. And ultimately, the buck will stop with him. So is there any wonder as to why he and Senator Roberson are desperately trying to pass the buck now? And would they really be doing this if they didn't believe 86% of Nevadans support Senator Jones' bill?