social services

This is the fifth in a series of columns summarizing my Controller’s Annual Report (CAR) for fiscal year 2018 (FY18).

The first two columns showed that since FY06 state spending has grown faster than Nevada’s economy, thus imposing an ever-larger real burden on Nevada families and businesses, whose real per-capita incomes are lower now than in FY06. The other two analyses reviewed spending on health and social services and on K-12 education, the two largest budget items by far and the only major areas on which spending has grown faster than Nevada’s economy.

A 33-year-old Carson City woman was arrested for suspicion of felony grand larceny and child endangerment after shoplifting nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a local department store with her four-year-old child in tow.

This is the fourth in a series of columns summarizing my Controller’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2018 (FY18).

The first two columns showed that since FY06 state spending has grown faster than Nevada’s economy, thus imposing an ever-larger real burden on Nevada families and businesses, whose real incomes are lower now than in FY06. The third one noted Health and Social Services spending, the largest budget item, has grown most rapidly by far, driven greatly by federal health care mandates and funding.

CARSON CITY — Senate Bill 13 now under consideration by Nevada lawmakers aims to authorize county commissioners to form a nonprofit corporation to “aid the county in providing certain governmental services.”

If the bill is adopted, changes to Chapter 244 of the Nevada Revised Statues would be amended to include several new sections regarding a county’s ability to form a nonprofit corporation.

MINDEN — Due to the recent tragic events in Douglas County, many people may be feeling grief, anxiety, and unsafe. Douglas County is encouraging residents to reach out to support groups in the community to receive help, reassurance and comfort during this difficult time.

This is the second in a series of columns summarizing my Controller’s Annual Report (CAR) for fiscal year 2018 (FY18). Based on the state’s official books and records, the CAR provides Nevada citizens, officials and others summaries of key facts, data, analysis and issues addressing Nevada’s fiscal condition and policy challenges.

CARSON CITY — Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval issued the following statement Friday regarding the 2019-2021 budget building process and priorities:

I'll be eating soup for dinner tonight.

But unlike others in the community who struggle every day with hunger, my bowl won't be empty.

Good morning Carson City and welcome to the first day of the working week and the last week of November. It is Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. For those keeping score, there are 29 days left until Christmas. Were you able to get some of your holiday shopping done this weekend? You've got plenty of time this week to pick up good bargains, though it will be somewhat soggy outside. A series of winter storms will push through the Sierra and Carson City region this week.

Jim Peckham, Executive Director of Friends In Services Helping (FISH), will be the featured speaker at Monday's Democratic luncheon.

Rural Northern Nevada’s largest and most complete social services program, FISH provides food, clothing, shelter and medical aid to the homeless, hungry and underemployed within our community, with the objective of helping families and individuals become self-sufficient.

Last month the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office visited a senior citizen for a Caring Neighbors referral. Caring Neighbors is a new program administered by DCSO, where qualified and uniformed volunteers call and visit the seniors in our community.

Health and Social Services (HSS) has been the fastest-growing category of state expenditures since Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10). Nevada spent $5.5 billion on these services in FY17, up from $2.2 billion in FY06.

Much of this spending is financed through federal grants for Medicaid, food stamps and other welfare programs. As Nevada spends money on these programs, it gets some reimbursement from the federal government. However, the reimbursements do not compensate Nevada fully for all expenditures, and certain programs such as Medicaid require a matching state commitment.

Sassabration, an annual celebration of diversity, is returning to Carson City July 14 in the parking lot of Carson Hot Springs Resort, 1500 Old Hot Springs Road.

The number of available foster homes in Carson City is so low right now that siblings cannot reside together in emergency foster care, a local panel of child welfare advocates said.

CARSON CITY — Pets of the Homeless, the only national nonprofit organization focused on feeding and providing care to pets of homeless people, provides free collapsible crates to emergency and homeless shelters that offer assistance for people that have pets.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month nationwide and throughout Nevada. In Carson City, volunteers recently planted hundreds of blue and silver pinwheels on the front lawn of the Nevada Legislature to bring awareness to child abuse across the Silver State.

his is the second column based on the Controller’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2017 (FY17). Here we disclose where the state spends its money.

Total state spending for FY17 was $12.29 billion: $11.033 billion (90 percent) from regular state accounts, including pass-through federal funds; $1.211 billion (ten percent) from tuition, fees, contracts, grants and other service charges by higher education; and $46 million in two other areas. The total was 74 percent higher than in FY06, or 17 percent more in real per-person terms.

We have just issued the Controller’s Annual Report (CAR) for fiscal year 2017 (FY17). Here we provide an overview of it. Future columns will discuss individual sections.

The CAR provides Nevada citizens, officials and others a summary of key facts, data, analysis and issues about the state’s fiscal condition and challenges. The Controller has a statutory charge to recommend plans for: support of public credit; promoting frugality and economy; better management of the state’s fiscal affairs; and better understanding of them.

The week winds down, but the happenings in Carson City are gearing up. Kids are going to have a fun time at the Carson Montessori Carnival Night. Help Relay for Life kick-off this year’s theme during their ‘Surfing for a Cure’ Luau at the Casino Fandango; you’ll have the opportunity to sign up your team, as well. No whining allowed, just fun times, at the Governor’s Mansion during tonight’s 'Let’s Wine Together' silent auction and wine fundraiser for the Carson High Band program.

Carson City Nevada Triad presents Aging in Nevada and the Sanford Center for Aging, a presentation designed to raise awareness about senior wellness, discuss trends in aging and share information about the Sanford Center’s portfolio of programs and services at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Friday, Mar. 9, at 11:45 a.m.

Kim Johnson took her first American Sign Language classes at Western Nevada College 15 years ago. Today, she is a contractor for Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, specializing in sign language interpreting.

In 2013, Nevada expanded Medicaid eligibility, a move promoted by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare) to improve health care to people allegedly then under-served by our health care systems.

In return, the federal government fully funded Nevada’s increased costs through 2016. However, the federal reimbursements slowly decline beginning this year. With the over-spending problems faced by the federal government, there is serious question whether reimbursements will continue after 2020, and if so at what level.

I’m not exactly sure what a ‘cupcake war’ is, but whatever the Carson Library has planned, it sounds delicious. Just make sure you register online to participate. Today is relatively quiet around town: we always have some great art exhibits to discover, but not too many planned events. DJ Trivia Night at Westside Pour House pits your smarts against other teams while surrounded by good food and drink. Jazz at Living the Good Life will put some swing in your step for the next few days.

WEDNESDAY:

The 2017 Carson City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, comprised of 24 leadership professions, is privileged to welcome the community to a public unveiling of their class project on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 6 p.m.
The class, often referred to as “the Best Class” has worked diligently acquiring materials, constructing and painting a themed mural in the dining area of FISH (Friends In Service Helping).

Today has quite a bit going for it, hard to believe that it’s a Wednesday. Learn more about the Craft Brew industry in Nevada and how to support its growth at the ‘Free My Beer Festival’ at Fox Brewpub. Fritch Elementary School is the beneficiary of tonight’s ‘McTeacher’ Night fundraiser at the South Carson McDonalds; both drive-thru and dine-in orders count. It’s Red vs. Blue in the Morse Burley Gym at Carson High School. The traditional basketball game between Democrat and Republican legislators also raises money for local seniors.

Less than a year ago, Richards Crossing existed only on paper. But a project that had originally spawned from the vision of Friends In Service Helping (FISH) and other community members is now a manifest reality.

First known as the Ides of March, today is also ‘Veteran’s Day’ at the State Legislature. Brian Sandoval presides over a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at 9 a.m., and even more is in store at the Legislature, including a BBQ. It’s also Nevada Moves Day, which means you’ll see a lot of school age walkers and bicyclists on the sidewalks. Reward your family with a movie at the Library tonight: The BFG is fun for all ages. Learn more about our little lake to the north with a presentation at the Washoe Lake State Park Ranger Office.

WEDNESDAY:

Silver Springs, Nevada - The featured speaker for the March 9th Healthy Communities Coalition meeting will be Pediatric Thanatologist Emilio Parga, Founder and Executive Director of Solace Tree. He will speak about creating “grief friendly schools” that are equipped to be supportive of children and teens who are dealing with loss.

The public is invited to attend the breakfast meeting, which begins at 9am at the Silver Springs Community Center.

This week's edition of It's Your City features last month's presentation on aging by the Sanford Center on Aging. The forum was held Jan. 24 at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

Nevada is one of the fastest aging states in the country. Data regarding the aging of Nevada and current statewide initiatives to address aging and dementia were discussed.

The Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties will have 3 guest speakers for their February breakfast meeting. The meeting is on Thurs February 9th at 9am at the Silver Springs Community Center.

Speakers include Lori Nichols from Foster Care Recruitment, and Sally Hazard from the Fernley office for the Advanced Foster Care Program. They will explain the pressing need for foster homes in the Lyon and Storey County region, and offer ways to help increase the number of foster parents.