Senior Day at the Nevada State Legislature was held April 17, in Carson City. Over 50 seniors attended the event which was held at the Legislative Building and featured presentations, legislative introductions, and office meetings. AARP Nevada and the Senior Coalition of Washoe County sponsored the day to show support for bills benefiting seniors and veterans, and to have a presence demonstrating the importance of their constituency.

Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar provided opening remarks and presented SB76, which creates a restitution fund for victims of securities fraud. Secretary Aguilar addressed the significance of the bill, how the fund will benefit those who qualify, and developing an ed ucational program to protect retirees.

Seniors heard from David Sousa, VFW, on legislation benefiting Nevada veterans and their families. Several bills are advancing through the legislature regarding veterans’ issues, among them AB135 and AB145, both supported by the Senior Coalition. AB135 provides a tax benefit for spouses of those who served, and AB145 protects veterans seeking services, creates a mentor program, enables free burial of a spouse at the state cemeteries, and free state park entrance to a spouse and family members of a veteran killed in the line of duty.

Maurice Page, Executive Director, Nevada Housing Coalition, spoke of affordable housing for seniors and populations nat-risk of becoming homeless. While there are several bills advancing in the legislature regarding housing accessibility, there is the possibility that Coalition supported bill, AB280, may not advance. AB280 includes a rent stabilization pilot program and rent cap but was vetoed by Governor Joe Lombardo last session. The Nevada Housing Coalition will host its own housing day at the legislature May 5th.

State Assembly Member Tracy Brown-May spoke of the importance of legislation that affects seniors and people with disabilities. When asked by an attendee why the Assembly Chambers were not ADA accessible, Assembly Member Brown May said she was aware of the matter and has addressed the concern with those operating the building. The Legislative

Building had been undergoing renovation during the interim, however, ADA accessibility of the Assembly Chamber was apparently overlooked. For the public to access the main floor, a ramp must be requested in advance.

Seniors were also given a special appearance by Nevada U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, (D). Rosen spoke about cuts to the Social Security Trust Fund and Medicare benefits, later taking a group photo with the seniors. This act was the highlight of the day for the seniors, many who rode the RTC bus to Carson City, and spoke about their experience on the way back to Reno.