Las Vegas Review-Journal
February 27, 2021
If casinos and movie theaters are open, Nevada’s Capitol should be, too.
The halls of the Legislative Building usually bustle during the biennial, four-month session. Not this year. The Legislature is locking out the public in response to the coronavirus pandemic. No lobbyists or concerned citizens allowed — although virtual input is accepted. Even the number of reporters is limited.
Last week, four lobbyists filed a federal lawsuit seeking access to the building and lawmakers. The named defendants include Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro.
“Defendants have continued to utilize the emergency directives to preclude lobbyist and the public from the state Capital to further their political agendas behind closed doors,” the lawsuit reads.
In addition, more than five dozen activist groups across the political spectrum sent a letter last week to lawmakers calling current options for citizen participation “grossly insufficient” and decrying limits on “the public’s ability to make their voices heard.” The missive points out that relying solely on virtual citizen input has greatly reduced public participation and transparency. READ MORE HERE